Heavy Metal Album Reviews: Week of June 30, 2015
The latest heavy metal album reviews, including releases from Abnormal Thought Patterns, Azavatar, Bearstorm, Blaze Of Perdition, Cathedral, Cut Up, Deathhammer, Demoncy, Dew-Scented, Ecstatic Vision, Goblin Rebirth, I Am The Trireme, Kissing Candice, Mutoid Man, Next To None, Old Wounds, Shape Of Despair, Straight Line Stitch, William English and Wilson.
The ratings are on a 5 star scale.
Genre: Instrumental Metal
There’s no hesitation in calling the members of Abnormal Thought Patterns incredible musicians. These guys have an expertise with their instruments very few can match. This, coupled with capable songwriting, gives Altered States Of Consciousness a step up among the rest of the virtuosos out there.
The songs are packaged to exploit the technical marvel without ballooning into obscene lengths. “Nocturnal Haven” is the exception at almost ten minutes, but a great vocal contribution from Between the Buried and Me’s Tommy Rogers and a guest spot from guitarist Jeff Loomis justifies the time. The group finely perpetuates a sound revolving around skillful musicianship and impassioned drive.
Rating: 3.5
(Dan Marsicano)
Genre: Black Metal
What's most apparent on the self-titled debut from German black metallists Azavatar is how it's far from a passive album. It's saturated with an immediate power that grabs the listener and holds them down over its five tracks spanning a bleak 53 minutes.
Counting members of Saeculum Obscurum within their ritualistic ranks, Azavatar build a mighty pyre of burning darkness. It's devoid of color other than that of the flames. Much of the tone/theme of the album can be summed up with the lyric “The flames worship Kaos.” The long tracks lead to a mix of tempos with shifting moods and atmosphere. It's percussively oppressive, spine-shiveringly tremulous and the hateful vocals conjure images of struggle and (mental) battles won and lost. Embrace the power of the Kaos.
Rating: 3.5
(Matt Hinch)
Genre: Progressive Black Metal
Americanus by Richmond, VA progressive metallers Bearstorm is actually a re-recording of their 2013 album of the same name. The band are more complete musicians now, warranting a revamp of the material. Musicianship, along with crisp production is what stands out most about the self-proclaimed “blackened Southern death prog” outfit. Quite the apt descriptor.
Enslaved, Voivod and Rush are listed in the promo blurb, but the magic Bearstorm work with smells more like Mastodon-ian musk, breath of Baroness, Elder's berries and essence of Astrakhan boiled in a broth of black and death metal vocals. The songcraft is excellent, moving from one powerful prog-groove to the next. Melodies dance around spinning tangles webs of guitar and bass wizardry that ensnare the listener tighter than any spring-loaded steel jaws.
Rating: 4
(Matt Hinch)
Genre: Black Metal
Bouncing back after a horrific car accident in 2013 that cost their bassist 23 his life and severely injured several other members, Blaze of Perdition reach for higher aspirations on their third album. Each song advances their sound in directions not heard previously. The melodic components have been brushed up, giving their music a heft of satisfying dynamics.
The aggression is still a major factor, elevating some of the more wandering parts that unfortunately drag songs out. Some of these tunes would have worked better if they were tightened up, though the solid performances keeps the album moving at a respectable pace.
Rating: 3
(Dan Marsicano)
Genre: Doom Metal
Cathedral go back to their very beginning with the reissue of In Memoriam. The self-financed cassette was their first release back in 1990. In addition to the original four tracks, this edition has a handful of songs that were recorded live at a show in the Netherlands and Belgium in 1991.
Cathedral's style on the demo was raw, with death and stoner metal elements in addition to their doom stylings. They would obviously go on to become much more polished with gothic and symphonic influences, but their core sound that would influence so many bands is evident on the demo. It's an interesting blast from the past for Cathedral fans, with the live songs an additional treat.
Rating: 4
(Chad Bowar)
Genre: Death Metal
It was disappointing when Vomitory broke up, but a couple of former members, including original drummer Tobias Gustafsson, reunite in Cut Up. The band’s first album fulfills whatever anticipations one may have for a group with musicians that have a firm expertise in Swedish death metal.
The album is sharpest when the tempo is jacked all the way up, like on the “Enter Hell”/“Burial Time” pairing that starts the album off. A few track engage in a more groove-oriented movement that works well. However, Forensic Nightmares is lacking that certain breathlessness a person felt when listening to a classic Vomitory tune.
Rating: 3
(Dan Marsicano)
Genre: Death/Thrash Metal
Death thrash is wickedly fun genre if done right, and Deathhammer have improved upon their previous album Onward To The Pits in every way possible. For what Evil Power lacks in originality (or creativity with the album title) it makes up for in sheer force.
With song titles like ‘Total Metal’ and ‘Satan Is Back’ you know what you’re getting here. The screams and riffs hearken back to the days of yore; a time when Discharge were blazing a path for Sarcofago and Sodom to pave the way for a hellacious mix of thrash and things more extreme. For fans of Midnight and any other vile creatures that Hells Headbangers have produced.
Rating: 4
(Tom Campagna)
Genre: Black Metal
A USBM one man project courtesy of Ixithra, Demoncy recorded Empire Of The Fallen Angel in 2003. A rough, early example of USBM that Ixithra recorded with session musicians, it is a faster, tighter example of black metal that appeared in opposition to the slow, depressive style that was prevalent in the USBM scene at the time. Ixithra has now re-recorded all of the songs by himself, as well as having added additional tracks to what is now Empire Of The Fallen Angel (Eternal Black Dominion), which should really be regarded as an entirely new album.
The sound has completely changed with a heavier approach to the guitars, a much fuller drum sound, and with a completely different vocal style that consists of a wet rasp rather than a growl. The results are intense as Ixithra is masterful at incorporating a weird sense of melody into the riffing, a melody that was largely absent in the original version of the album. The track listing is also different, resulting in a magnum opus that feels much more complete.
Rating: 4
(Dave Schalek)
Genre: Thrash Metal
If there ever was a band that defines the term “journeyman,” Germany’s Dew-Scented are it. A thrash metal stalwart for over twenty years, Dew-Scented have largely been playing the same album and recycling the same riffs over and over; at least, since their breakout album Inwards in 2002. Not much has changed since, as the latest album, Intermination, has plenty of fast riffs, a roaring gallop, and the requisite shouts from Leif Jensen, the sole remaining original member.
Dew-Scented always manage to be catchy and, at the very least, deliver an enjoyable album that you’ll nod your head along to as you listen. You just won’t remember too much of it afterwards.
Rating: 3.5
(Dave Schalek)
Genre: Psychedelic Metal
The first I heard Ecstatic Vision was when they opened for Yob and Enslaved. I was somewhat unimpressed yet intrigued as their psychedelic jams reminded me of Monster Magnet at their most tripped-out, riding the prevailing Hawkwind toward oblivion. But they lacked impact. Sonic Praise makes up for that.
On record, it feels like the Philly trio tightened up their offerings; their vision transcending the failing of a venue's sound system. No doubt the band blows their own minds on stage, but attention spans are short. Here however, the hypnotic and driving bass and squalling leads propel the listener's mind into new realms of existence. It's five tracks of unassailable musical escapism. “Journey” across the “Astral Plane” and praise their lush, layered, narcotic sonics.
Rating: 4
(Matt Hinch)
The ratings are on a 5 star scale.
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Abnormal Thought Patterns - ‘Altered States Of Consciousness’ (Lifeforce)
Genre: Instrumental Metal
There’s no hesitation in calling the members of Abnormal Thought Patterns incredible musicians. These guys have an expertise with their instruments very few can match. This, coupled with capable songwriting, gives Altered States Of Consciousness a step up among the rest of the virtuosos out there.
The songs are packaged to exploit the technical marvel without ballooning into obscene lengths. “Nocturnal Haven” is the exception at almost ten minutes, but a great vocal contribution from Between the Buried and Me’s Tommy Rogers and a guest spot from guitarist Jeff Loomis justifies the time. The group finely perpetuates a sound revolving around skillful musicianship and impassioned drive.
Rating: 3.5
(Dan Marsicano)
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Azavatar - 'Azavatar' (Art of Propaganda)
Genre: Black Metal
What's most apparent on the self-titled debut from German black metallists Azavatar is how it's far from a passive album. It's saturated with an immediate power that grabs the listener and holds them down over its five tracks spanning a bleak 53 minutes.
Counting members of Saeculum Obscurum within their ritualistic ranks, Azavatar build a mighty pyre of burning darkness. It's devoid of color other than that of the flames. Much of the tone/theme of the album can be summed up with the lyric “The flames worship Kaos.” The long tracks lead to a mix of tempos with shifting moods and atmosphere. It's percussively oppressive, spine-shiveringly tremulous and the hateful vocals conjure images of struggle and (mental) battles won and lost. Embrace the power of the Kaos.
Rating: 3.5
(Matt Hinch)
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Bearstorm – 'Americanus' (Grimoire)
Genre: Progressive Black Metal
Americanus by Richmond, VA progressive metallers Bearstorm is actually a re-recording of their 2013 album of the same name. The band are more complete musicians now, warranting a revamp of the material. Musicianship, along with crisp production is what stands out most about the self-proclaimed “blackened Southern death prog” outfit. Quite the apt descriptor.
Enslaved, Voivod and Rush are listed in the promo blurb, but the magic Bearstorm work with smells more like Mastodon-ian musk, breath of Baroness, Elder's berries and essence of Astrakhan boiled in a broth of black and death metal vocals. The songcraft is excellent, moving from one powerful prog-groove to the next. Melodies dance around spinning tangles webs of guitar and bass wizardry that ensnare the listener tighter than any spring-loaded steel jaws.
Rating: 4
(Matt Hinch)
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Blaze of Perdition - ‘Near Death Revelations’ (Agonia)
Genre: Black Metal
Bouncing back after a horrific car accident in 2013 that cost their bassist 23 his life and severely injured several other members, Blaze of Perdition reach for higher aspirations on their third album. Each song advances their sound in directions not heard previously. The melodic components have been brushed up, giving their music a heft of satisfying dynamics.
The aggression is still a major factor, elevating some of the more wandering parts that unfortunately drag songs out. Some of these tunes would have worked better if they were tightened up, though the solid performances keeps the album moving at a respectable pace.
Rating: 3
(Dan Marsicano)
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Cathedral - 'In Memoriam' (Rise Above)
Genre: Doom Metal
Cathedral go back to their very beginning with the reissue of In Memoriam. The self-financed cassette was their first release back in 1990. In addition to the original four tracks, this edition has a handful of songs that were recorded live at a show in the Netherlands and Belgium in 1991.
Cathedral's style on the demo was raw, with death and stoner metal elements in addition to their doom stylings. They would obviously go on to become much more polished with gothic and symphonic influences, but their core sound that would influence so many bands is evident on the demo. It's an interesting blast from the past for Cathedral fans, with the live songs an additional treat.
Rating: 4
(Chad Bowar)
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Cut Up - ‘Forensic Nightmares’ (Metal Blade)
Genre: Death Metal
It was disappointing when Vomitory broke up, but a couple of former members, including original drummer Tobias Gustafsson, reunite in Cut Up. The band’s first album fulfills whatever anticipations one may have for a group with musicians that have a firm expertise in Swedish death metal.
The album is sharpest when the tempo is jacked all the way up, like on the “Enter Hell”/“Burial Time” pairing that starts the album off. A few track engage in a more groove-oriented movement that works well. However, Forensic Nightmares is lacking that certain breathlessness a person felt when listening to a classic Vomitory tune.
Rating: 3
(Dan Marsicano)
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Deathhammer – ‘Evil Power’ (Hells Headbangers)
Genre: Death/Thrash Metal
Death thrash is wickedly fun genre if done right, and Deathhammer have improved upon their previous album Onward To The Pits in every way possible. For what Evil Power lacks in originality (or creativity with the album title) it makes up for in sheer force.
With song titles like ‘Total Metal’ and ‘Satan Is Back’ you know what you’re getting here. The screams and riffs hearken back to the days of yore; a time when Discharge were blazing a path for Sarcofago and Sodom to pave the way for a hellacious mix of thrash and things more extreme. For fans of Midnight and any other vile creatures that Hells Headbangers have produced.
Rating: 4
(Tom Campagna)
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Demoncy - ‘Empire Of The Fallen Angel’ (Forever Plagued)
Genre: Black Metal
A USBM one man project courtesy of Ixithra, Demoncy recorded Empire Of The Fallen Angel in 2003. A rough, early example of USBM that Ixithra recorded with session musicians, it is a faster, tighter example of black metal that appeared in opposition to the slow, depressive style that was prevalent in the USBM scene at the time. Ixithra has now re-recorded all of the songs by himself, as well as having added additional tracks to what is now Empire Of The Fallen Angel (Eternal Black Dominion), which should really be regarded as an entirely new album.
The sound has completely changed with a heavier approach to the guitars, a much fuller drum sound, and with a completely different vocal style that consists of a wet rasp rather than a growl. The results are intense as Ixithra is masterful at incorporating a weird sense of melody into the riffing, a melody that was largely absent in the original version of the album. The track listing is also different, resulting in a magnum opus that feels much more complete.
Rating: 4
(Dave Schalek)
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Dew-Scented - ‘Intermination’ (Prosthetic)
Genre: Thrash Metal
If there ever was a band that defines the term “journeyman,” Germany’s Dew-Scented are it. A thrash metal stalwart for over twenty years, Dew-Scented have largely been playing the same album and recycling the same riffs over and over; at least, since their breakout album Inwards in 2002. Not much has changed since, as the latest album, Intermination, has plenty of fast riffs, a roaring gallop, and the requisite shouts from Leif Jensen, the sole remaining original member.
Dew-Scented always manage to be catchy and, at the very least, deliver an enjoyable album that you’ll nod your head along to as you listen. You just won’t remember too much of it afterwards.
Rating: 3.5
(Dave Schalek)
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Ecstatic Vision – 'Sonic Praise' (Relapse)
Genre: Psychedelic Metal
The first I heard Ecstatic Vision was when they opened for Yob and Enslaved. I was somewhat unimpressed yet intrigued as their psychedelic jams reminded me of Monster Magnet at their most tripped-out, riding the prevailing Hawkwind toward oblivion. But they lacked impact. Sonic Praise makes up for that.
On record, it feels like the Philly trio tightened up their offerings; their vision transcending the failing of a venue's sound system. No doubt the band blows their own minds on stage, but attention spans are short. Here however, the hypnotic and driving bass and squalling leads propel the listener's mind into new realms of existence. It's five tracks of unassailable musical escapism. “Journey” across the “Astral Plane” and praise their lush, layered, narcotic sonics.
Rating: 4
(Matt Hinch)
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