Category: Reviews – Audio

Glorious metal in all its earthly forms, compressed onto shiny plastic discs or into digital files. Which ones will become the soundtrack to your life?

  • Corrosion of Conformity – self-titled

    COC has a new album coming out and, as Gruesome Greg says, “this is some good shit!”

  • Sabaton – World War Live: The Battle For The Baltic Sea

    World War Live: Battle of the Baltic Sea is both a good stopgap between albums and a pacifier for those wanting to know what all the fuss is about live.

  • Black Pyramid – II

    But is it a step forward, or backwards? That all depends on your perception. I, for one, don’t dig this as much as the first album, and am certainly curious as to which direction the band will take with a new frontman/axeman. One thing is certain, though. Black Pyramid III won’t be a blind buy…

  • Cradle of Filth – Evermore Darkly

    The EP is an offshoot of their 2010 release, Darkly, Darkly, Venus Aversa, proving so with an orchestral version of CoF oldie, “Summer Dying Fast.” So, nothing’s really new in the Filthy world of metal, but the record is entertaining and classically Cradle nonetheless.

  • Orange Goblin – An Eulogy for the Damned

    This dish is one spicy meatball, kicking of 2012 with a badda-boom-badda-bing!

  • The Devil’s Blood – The Thousandfold Epicentre

    The latest band to make it big in the new wave of occult rock (ie Ghost, Blood Ceremony), these Dutch demons have unleashed a lengthy, 76-minute Metal Blade debut upon the masses with this, their second album. Opening with a shuffling, ringing, haunting instrumental, you know you’re in for a hell of a ride…

  • Skinny Puppy – HanDover

    With that being said, grab your headphones, turn down the lights and let the music take over. This is an album not to be missed.

  • Cathedral – Anniversary

    All up, Anniversary is exactly what I hoped it would be. A mucky snail-paced trawl through the band’s debut, followed up by an unrestrained romp across the years. There’s obviously a wealth of material not on the second career-spanning disc, but I guess with only one side to play with you pick your best. I’ve…

  • Hard Charger – This Machine Is Driving

    At just under half an hour, This Machine Is Driving is almost not enough but at the same time it’s the perfect length. It makes you want to leave it on repeat, though continued listening may force you in to the shower several times a day.

  • Slash – Made In Stoke 24/07/11

    Who knew that Slash was so good at anything other than knocking out great, classic licks for almost thirty years? Some fans might have, but Made In Stoke shows makes the point unavoidable; these are great, classic songs all around.