Daniel's Forum Replies
This morning I decided to continue with my Top Ten subgenre lists theme of recent weeks with my Top Ten Death Doom Metal Release Of All Time so here it is:
01. diSEMBOWELMENT – “Transcendence Into The Peripheral” (1993)
02. Anathema – “Serenades” (1993)
03. My Dying Bride – “Turn Loose The Swans” (1993)
04. Anathema – “The Silent Enigma” (1995)
05. Katatonia – “Brave Murder Day” (1996)
06. My Dying Bride – “Symphonaire Infernus Et Spera Empyrium” E.P. (1992)
07. Mar de Grises – “Streams Inwards” (2010)
08. Daylight Dies – “A Frail Becoming” (2012)
09. My Dying Bride – “The Thrash Of Naked Limbs” E.P. (1992)
10. Anathema – “Crestfallen” E.P. (1992)
The doomier closer from the 1997 debut album from Atlanta-based progressive US power metal outfit Cauldron Born". For fans of Slauter Xstroyes, Deadly Blessing & mid-80’s Fates Warning.
Despite my fairly strong opinions below, "Born of The Cauldron" was definitely an interesting feature release Xephyr. I expect to see some very healthy discussion on it with some widely differing scores which is always fun. :)
Here's my review:
1997’s “Born Of The Cauldron” debut album from Atlanta-based US power metal outfit Cauldron Born is a very interesting inclusion in our September batch of feature releases as it doesn’t sit all that comfortably alongside its more traditional sounding heavy metal & power metals peers in The Guardians. In fact, it may well have been ostracized from the group & forced to sit & eat in the corner of the lunchroom in complete isolation. The main reason for this is its consciously technical approach that sees it fitting much more comfortably in our The Infinite clan. Fuck knows how it’s not already labelled as progressive metal because this record is about as progressive as you’ll find. I mean this fucker sounds like Yes got blind drunk & decided to become a US power metal band & I think it’s fair to say that the results are very mixed.
I really struggled with “Born Of The Cauldron” to be completely honest. With the exception of some of the ultra-underground & super-necro sounding extreme metal, my background as a musician sees me being quite picky when it comes to performance, execution & musicianship & these are clear weaknesses for Cauldron Born. Despite the fact that the song-writing & composition is extremely ambitious for a debut release, some of the band members aren’t even close to being up to the task at hand & it leaves a lot of this material sounding like a bit of a mess. The secret to writing captivating & impressive progressive metal is to present rhythmically & melodically technical instrumentation & vocal arrangements in a way that flows smoothly & still enables the song-writing to dig its hooks into the listener’s memory bank. In fact, your less technically inclined listener should almost not notice the technique on display & be able to enjoy the music for what it is i.e. actual music rather than a medium for showcasing someone’s talents. Unfortunately, Cauldron Born don’t seem to have any sort of understanding of this requirement & have subsequently presented us with some highly complex compositions that don’t flow & sound very jerky which leaves tracks like “The Sword's Lament” & “In Fate's Eye a King” sounding like a bit of a mess really. This may not have been such an obvious problem if drummer Bill Parsons could play in time however this is unfortunately not the case with his kick drum work being consistently behind the beat & guitarist Howie Bentley regularly struggling to keep in time with him. Howie has his own issues to be fair as he really wants to be a shredding guitar virtuoso but his chops aren’t even close to being able to pull off what he’s attempted here. Thankfully bassist Shawn Kascak is a bit of a star & manages to recover things slightly with his Chris Squire influenced bass lines constantly shifting through run after run of inventive melodic noodling.
Vocalist Danny White is your classic US power metal front man. His operatic style & clear higher register tone sound a lot like virtually every other vocalist from the movement but he has a much more challenging task in front of him than any of his contemporaries. Trying to layer a workable vocal hook over music this rhythmically complex was always going to be immensely challenging & he’s done a reasonable job of it, despite falling in a heap on several occasions due to the lack of fluency in the instrumental performances. And this really does highlight the problem with “Born of the Cauldron” because the best material is clearly aligned with the less complex tracks. Songs like “The Final Incantation / In the Dreaming City” & the doomy closer & album high point “Unholy Sanctuary” are a clear indicator of what could have been achieved if the instrumentalists had stayed within the confines of their technical limitations & focused on writing some strong riffs for Danny to work over. Sadly, there’s not enough of this & I found myself struggling to make much sense of “Born Of The Cauldron” for the most part. There’s no doubt that it’s a consistently interesting experience though & I was sitting on the fence between a 2.5/5 & a 3/5 rating for some time but at the end of the day I can’t deny that the moments when I can honestly say that I’m genuinely enjoying myself are too rare for me to go with the higher score.
For fans of Slauter Xstroyes, Deadly Blessing & mid-80’s Fates Warning.
2.5/5
Here's my revised list:
1970: Black Sabbath – “Paranoid”
1971: Black Sabbath – “Master Of Reality”
1972: Black Sabbath – “Vol 4”
1973: Black Sabbath – “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath”
1974: Budgie – “In For The Kill”
1975: Black Sabbath – “Sabotage”
1976: Judas Priest - "Sad Wings Of Destiny"
1977: Quartz – “Quartz”
1978: Judas Priest – “Killing Machine”
1979: Judas Priest – “Unleashed In The East”
1980: Diamond Head – “Lightning To The Nations”
1981: Motorhead – “No Sleep Till Hammersmith”
1982: Ozzy Osbourne – “Speak Of The Devil”
1983: Slayer – “Show No Mercy”
1984: Metallica – “Ride The Lightning”
1985: Exodus – “Bonded By Blood”
1986: Slayer – “Reign In Blood”
1987: Bathory – “Under The Sign Of The Black Mark”
1988: Metallica – “…And Justice For All”
1989: Morbid Angel – “Altars Of Madness”
1990: Slayer - "Seasons In The Abyss"
1991: Death – “Human”
1992: Alice In Chains – “Dirt”
1993: diSEMBOWELMENT – “Transcendence Into The Peripheral”
1994: Darkthrone – “Transilvanian Hunger”
1995: Suffocation – “Pierced From Within”
1996: Burzum – “Filosofem”
1997: Exodus – “Another Lesson In Violence”
1998: ISIS – “The Mosquito Control” E.P.
1999: Botch - "We Are The Romans"
2000: Immolation – “Close To A World Below”
2001: Tool - "Lateralus"
2002: ISIS – “Oceanic”
2003: Boris – “Boris At Last -Feedbacker-“
2004: ISIS – “Panopticon”
2005: Deathspell Omega – “Kenose” E.P.
2006: Celtic Frost – “Monotheist”
2007: Wolves In The Throne Room – “Two Hunters”
2008: Pig Destroyer - "Natasha" E.P.
2009: Ulcerate - "Everything Is Fire"
2010: Deathspell Omega - "Paracletus"
2011: Inside The Beehive - "Drink Bleach; Live Forever" E.P.
2012: Deftones - "Koi no Yokan"
2013: Gorguts - "Colored Sands"
2014: Dead Congregation - "Promulgation Of The Fall"
2015: Akhlys - "The Dreaming I"
2016: Mick Gordon - "Doom (Original Game Soundtrack)"
2017: Fen - "Winter"
2018: Saxon - "Thunderbolt"
2019: Altesia - "Paragon Circus"
2020: Oranssi Pazuzu - "Mestarin kynsi"
2021: Altarage - "Succumb"
A twenty-one minute cerebral drone metal excursion of the highest order from this Spanish death metal outfit who will likely appeal to fans of Portal, Adversarial & Mylingar.
OK, so this release has left me thoroughly devastated (in a good way). I first approached "Succumb" a couple of months before Vinny submitted it as a feature release & remember thinking to myself that it'd be totally up Vinny's alley. We're very much kindred spirits when it comes to ultra-savage & super-intense extreme metal & this release is absolutely that with a murky death-swamp of a production only further accentuating the cripplingly dark atmosphere. I have absolutely no doubt as to the records that Altarage grew up listening to because I was right there with them. Morbid Angel's "Covenant"? Tick! Classic Incantation? Tick! Bestial Warlust's "Vengeance War 'til Death"? Tick! There are huge intimidating tentacles protruding out of this fucker with the sludgy down-tuned guitar tone seemingly engulfing the listener in pure blasphemy & violence. Carlos' vocals are nothing short of monstrous too & I love the war metal streak that runs right through the core of Altarage's foundations with the swirling guitars having seemingly derived their textured aesthetic from black metal.
Despite completely rocking my world, there are a couple of things that could have further improved "Succumb". The inclusion of some psychotic shred-tastic guitar solos would definitely have added to the mayhem. The quality does dip a little through the middle of the album too. But wait! What's this at the end of the record?? A twenty-one minute cerebral drone metal excursion of the highest order? Count me in like Flynn guys. This is my album of the year thus far & I'm placing another 666 blackened stars next to Vinny's name. I would post a review however Vinny's one already highlights everything that needs to be said.
For fans of Portal, Adversarial & Mylingar.
4.5/5
Before this, Samael was initially in the 2nd wave of black metal.
In fairness Samael predates the second wave with their debut album appearing the year before Darkthrone & Burzum heralded the dawn of a new era for black metal. It’s more accurate to suggest that Samael came at the tale end of the first wave in my opinion.
This might be my last time submitting suggestions for The Fallen playlists. I'm cutting down on some Fallen-related activities due to running low on ideas and other personal reasons I will explain later.
Andi, can you please confirm whether you're intending on contributing any The Fallen playlist submissions this month? If not then I'll bump up the time allocations to 30 minutes each for Sonny, Ben & I.
Here's the October feature release nominators:
THE FALLEN: Daniel, Sonny, Ben
THE GATEWAY: Andi, Saxy S
THE GUARDIANS: Andi, Vinny, Xephyr
THE HORDE: Ben, Daniel, Vinny
THE INFINITE: Saxy S, Andi, Xephyr
THE NORTH: Sonny, Ben, Vinny, Xephyr, Daniel
THE PIT: Daniel, Sonny, Vinny, Ben
THE REVOLUTION: Daniel, Andi
THE SPHERE: Daniel
September 2021
1. Mnemic – “Deathbox” (from “The Audio Injected Soul”, 2004)
2. Master Boot Record – Smartdrv.exe“” (from “Floppy Disk Overdrive”, 2020)
3. Lindemann – “Blut” (from “F & M”, 2019)
4. Uniform & The Body – “Day Of Atonement” (from “Everything That Dies Someday Comes Back”, 2019)
5. 2wo – “My Ceiling’s Low” (from “Voyeurs”, 1998)
6. Rob Zombie – “Shadow Of The Cemetery Man” (from “The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy”, 2021)
7. Dodheimsgard – “Shiva-Interfere” (from “666 International”, 1999)
8. 16volt – “And I Go” (from “SuperCoolNothing”, 1998)
9. Combichrist – “Maggots At The Party” (from “We Love You”, 2014)
10. Pain – “On & On” (from “Rebirth”, 1999)
11. Static-X – “Worth Dyin’ For” (from “Project Regeneration, Vol. 1, 2020)
12. KMFDM – “Hau Ruck” (from “Hau Ruck”, 2005)
13. Godflesh – “Shut Me Down” (from “A World Lit Only By Fire”, 2014) [Submitted by Vinny]
14. Sybreed – “Ego Bypass Generator” (from “Antares”, 2007)
15. Corrections House – “Crossing My One Good Finger” (from “Know How To Carry A Whip”, 2015)
16. Turmion Kätilöt – “Verta ja lihaa” (from “Hoitovirhe”, 2004)
17. Samael – “Exodus” (from “Exodus” E.P., 1998)
18. Dagoba – “Maniak” (from “Dagoba”, 2003)
19. Ministry – “Burning Inside” (from “The Mind Is A Terrible Thing To Taste”, 1989) [Submitted by Daniel]
20. Autarkh – “Introspectrum” (from “Form In Motion”, 2021)
21. Fear Factory – “Manufactured Hope” (from “Aggression Continuum”, 2021)
22. Oomph! – “Born – Praised - Kissed” (from “Wunschkind”, 1996)
23. Author & Punisher – “The Barge” (from “Melk en Honing”, 2015)
24. Strapping Young Lad – “Skeksis” (from “Alien”, 2005)
25. Black Magnet – “Punishment Map” (from “Hallucination Scene”, 2020)
26. DEAFBRICK – “Máquina obssessivo-compulsiva” (from “Deafbrick”, 2020)
September 2021
1. The Devil Wears Prada – “Nora” (from “ZII” E.P., 2021)
2. Wristmeetrazor – “Anemic (The Same Six Words)” (from “Replica Of A Strange Love”, 2021)
3. Mental Cruelty – “Ultima Hypocrita” (from “A Hill To Die Upon”, 2021)
4. Zao – “In the Jaws Of Dread” (from “The Crimson Corridor”, 2021)
5. BABYMETAL – “Ijime Dame Zettai” (from “BABYMETAL”, 2014)
6. We Came As Romans – “To Plant A Seed” (from “To Plant A Seed”, 2009)
7. Shadows Fall – “Of One Blood” (from “Of One Blood”, 2000) [Submitted by shadowdoom9 (Andi)]
8. Motionless In White – “Immaculate Misconception” (from “Creatures”, 2010)
9. Demon Hunter – “Sixteen” (from “Storming The Gates Of Hell”, 2007) [Submitted by shadowdoom9 (Andi)]
10. Earth Crisis – “Killing Brain Cells” (from “Slither”, 2000) [Submitted by Daniel]
11. Will Haven – “I’ve Seen My Fate” (from “El Diablo”, 1997)
12. Crisis – “Different Ways Of Decay” (from “Deathshead Extermination”, 1996)
13. Underøath – “Paper Lung” (from “Ø (Disambiguation)”, 2010) [Submitted by shadowdoom9 (Andi)]
14. Kaonashi – “T.A.Y.L.O.R.” (from “Dear Lemon House, You Ruined Me: Senior Year”, 2021)
15. Chimaira – “Sp Lit” (from “Pass Out Of Existence”, 2001)
16. Integrity – “Rise” (from “Seasons In the Size Of Days”, 1997)
17. While She Sleeps – “Crows” (from “The North Stands For Nothing” E.P., 2010)
18. Converge – “You Fail Me” (from “You Fail Me”, 2004) [Submitted by Vinny]
19. Pupil Slicer – “Mirrors Are More Fun Than Television” (from “Mirrors”, 2021)
20. Born Of Osiris – “Recreate” (from “The Discovery”, 2011) [Submitted by shadowdoom9 (Andi)]
21. Darkest Hour – “Beneath The Blackening Sky” (from “Darkest Hour”, 2014) [Submitted by shadowdoom9]
22. God’s Hate – “Finish The Job” (from “God’s Hate”, 2021)
23. For Today – “Devastator” (from “Breaker”, 2010)
24. Coalesce – “Have Patience” (from “Give Them Rope”, 1997)
25. Veil Of Maya – “Namaste” (from “[id]”, 2010) [Submitted by shadowdoom9 (Andi)]
26. The Dillinger Escape Plan – “The Running Board” (from “Calculating Infinity”, 1999) [Submitted by shadowdoom9 (Andi)]
27. 100 Demons – “Forsaken” (from “In The Eyes Of The Lord”, 2000)
28. Bridge Burner – “Chlorine Eyes” (from “Disempath”, 2021)
29. Poppy – “Say Cheese” (from “Eat (NXT Soundtrack) E.P., 2021)
30. Embodyment – “20 Tongues” (from “Embrace The Eternal”, 1998)
31. Darko – “Insects” (from “Darko”, 2021)
September 2021
1. Evile – “Incarcerated” (from “Hell Unleashed”, 2021) [Submitted by Daniel]
2. Soulfly – “Seek ‘n’ Strike (from “ॐ”, 2002) [Submitted by Daniel]
3. ZnöWhite – “Do Or Die” (from “All Hail To Thee” E.P., 1984) [Submitted by Daniel]
4. Body Count – “KKK Bitch” (from “Body Count”, 1992)
5. Prong – “Beg To Differ” (from “Beg To Differ”, 1990)
6. Vulture – “Star-Crossed City” (from “Dealin’ Death”, 2021)
7. Artillery – “Turn Up The Rage” (from “X”, 2021)
8. Testament – “The Haunting” (from “The Legacy”, 1987) [Submitted by Sonny92]
9. Metallica – “Harvester Of Sorrow” (from “…And Justice For All”, 1988) [Submitted by Vinny]
10. Slayer – “Skeletons Of Society” (from “Seasons In The Abyss”, 1990) [Submitted by Vinny]
11. Suicidal Tendencies – “I Feel Your Pain… & I Survive” (from “Join The Army”, 1987) [Submitted by Daniel]
12. Gojira – “Born For One Thing” (from “Fortitude”, 2021)
13. Pantera – “I’m Broken” (from “Far Beyond Driven”, 1994) [Submitted by Daniel]
14. Ritual Carnage – “Escape From The Light” (from “Every Nerve Alive”, 2000) [Submitted by Vinny]
15. Helstar – “Pandemonium” (from “Glory Of Chaos”, 2010)
16. Striker – “Crossroads” (from “City Of Gold”, 2013)
17. Flotsam & Jetsam – “Blood In The Water” (from “Blood In The Water”, 2021)
18. Anthrax – “Imitation Of Life” (from “Among The Living”, 1987) [Submitted by Sonny92]
19. Vreid – “Shadows Of Aurora” (from “Wild North West”, 2021) [Submitted by Sonny92]
20. Kreator – “Under A Total Blackened Sky” (from “Enemy Of God”, 2005) [Submitted by Sonny92]
21. Hirax – “Flesh & Blood” (from “El Rostro de la Muerte”, 2009) [Submitted by Vinny]
22. Feared – “Your Black Is My White” (from “Svart”, 2017) [Submitted by Vinny]
23. Cruel Force – “Victim Of Hellfire” (from “The Rise Of Satanic Might”, 2010)
24. Nekrofilth – “Crave The Grave” (from “Devil’s Breath”, 2013)
25. Cryptic Slaughter – “Wake Up” (from “Money Talks”, 1987) [Submitted by Daniel]
26. Scythelord – “Wireframe” (from “Earth Boiling Dystopia”, 2021) [Submitted by Daniel]
27. Sadus – “The Wake” (from “Swallowed In Black”, 1990) [Submitted by Vinny]
28. Nekromantheon – “Zealot Reign” (from “Visions Of Trismegistos”, 2021) [Submitted by Sonny92]
September 2021
1. Blodsrit – “Vanmakt” (from “Helveteshymner”, 2004) [Submitted by Vinny]
2. Nameless Mist – “Unearthed” (from “Nameless Mist”, 2021) [Submitted by Xephyr]
3. Dawn – “Diabolical Beauty” (from “Nær sólen gar niþer for evogher”, 1994) [Submitted by Ben]
4. Dimmu Borgir – “Alt lys er svunnet hen” (from “Stormblåst”, 1996)
5. Alcest – “Écailles de lune - Part 2” (from “Écailles de lune”, 2010)
6. Mystifier – “Cursed Excruciation / The Sinuous Serpent of Genesis (Leviathan)” (from “Goetia”, 1993) [Submitted by Ben]
7. Bathory – “The Lake” (from “Blood On Ice”, 1996)
8. Felled – “Ember Dream” (from “The Intimate Earth”, 2021) [Submitted by Vinny]
9. Blut aus Nord – “Epitome XI” (from 777 – The Desanctification”, 2011) [Submitted by Ben]
10. Primordial – “Autumn’s Ablaze” (from “A Journey’s End”, 1998)
11. Khold – “Nattpyre” (from “Masterpiss Of Pain”, 2001)
12. Silencer – “Death – Pierce Me” (from “Death - Pierce Me”, 2001)
13. Warmoon Lord – “Empowered With Battlespells” (from “Battlespells”, 2021) [Submitted by Sonny92]
14. Pillorian – “Archaen Divinity” (from “Obsidian Arc”, 2017) [Submitted by Vinny]
15. Mare Cognitum – “Pulses in Extraconscious Lucidity” (from “An Extraconscious Lucidity”, 2012) [Submitted by Sonny92]
16. Sainte Marie des Loups – “Des profondeurs le silence” (from “Funérailles de feu”, 2020) [Submitted by Sonny92]
17. Agrypnie – “Wir Ertrunkenen” (from “Metamorphosis”, 2021) [Submitted by Vinny]
18. Bestial Warlust – “Blood & Valour” (from “Blood & Valour”, 1995)
September 2021
1. Mastodon – “Curl of the Burl” (from “The Hunter”, 2011) [Submitted by shadowdoom9 (Andi)]
2. Skin Tension – “Conqueror Worm” (from “Machinic Impulses of the Hyperreal”, 2021)
3. Dola – “-“ (from “Czasy”, 2021) [Submitted by Xephyr]
4. Ayreon – “Beneath The Waves” (from “01011001”, 2008) [Submitted by shadowdoom9 (Andi)]
5. Psychotic Waltz – “Into The Everflow” (from “Into The Everflow”, 1992)
6. Papangu – “Holoceno” (from “Holoceno”, 2021)
7. Fates Warning – “Still Remains” (from “Disconnected”, 2000)
8. Soen – “Pluton” (from “Tellurian”, 2014) [Submitted by Xephyr]
9. Dream Theater – “Pull Me Under” (from “Images & Words”, 1992)
10. Symphony X – “Absinthe & Rue” (from “Symphony X”, 1994) [Submitted by shadowdoom9 (Andi)]
11. Teramaze – “A Deep State Of Awake” (from “I Wonder”, 2020) [Submitted by Xephyr]
12. Between The Buried & Me – “Astral Body” (from “The Parallax II: Future Sequence”, 2012) [Submitted by shadowdoom9 (Andi)]
13. Gojira – “Another World” (from “Fortitude”, 2021) [Submitted by shadowdoom9 (Andi)]
14. Alcest – “Protection” (from “Spiritual Instinct”, 2019)
15. Textures – “Young Man” (from “Polars”, 2004)
16. Vildhjarta – “Dagger” (from “Måsstaden”, 2011)
17. Thy Catafalque – “Köd utánam” (from “Róka Hasa Rádió”, 2009) [Submitted by Xephyr]
September 2021
1. Witch Vomit – “Purulent Burial Mound” (from “Abhorrent Rapture” E.P., 2021) [Submitted by Vinny]
2. At The Gates – “Spectre Of Extinction” (from “The Nightmare Of Being”, 2021)
3. Pestilence – “Morbvs Propagationem” (from “Exitivm”, 2021) [Submitted by Daniel]
4. Bologna Violenta – “Trapianti giapponesi” (from Il nuovissimo mondo”, 2010)
5. Messiah – “Extreme Cold Weather” (from “Extreme Cold Weather”, 1987) [Submitted by Daniel]
6. Entombed – “Retaliation” (from “Inferno”, 2003)
7. Be’lakor – “Venator” (from “Stone’s Reach”, 2009) [Submitted by Ben]
8. Bolt Thrower – “World Eater” (from “Realm Of Chaos”, 1989) [Submitted by Daniel]
9. Seputus – “Tautology” (from “Phantom Indigo”, 2021)
10. Ghastly – “Out Of The Psychic Blue” (from “Mercurial Passages”, 2021) [Submitted by Daniel]
11. Disbelief – “Misery” (from “Worst Enemy”, 2001) [Submitted by Ben]
12. Carcass – “Kelly’s Meat Emporium” (from “Kelly’s Meat Emporium” single, 2021) [Submitted by Vinny]
13. Grave Miasma – “Rogyapa” (from “Abyss Of Wrathful Deities”, 2021) [Submitted by Daniel]
14. Skeleton Of God – “Urine Garden” (from “Urine Garden” E.P., 1993)
15. Cattle Decapitation – “Mauled” (from “Homovore”, 2000)
16. Nasum – “Relics” (from “Helvete”, 2003) [Submitted by Ben]
17. Extreme Noise Terror – “Work For Never” (from “The Peel Sessions ’87-‘90”, 1990) [Submitted by Daniel]
18. Deicide – “Crucifixation” (from “Deicide”, 1990) [Submitted by Ben]
19. Malignant Altar – “Retribution Of Jealous Gods” (from “Retribution Of Jealous Gods” demo, 2019) [Submitted by Vinny]
20. Blood – “Kadath” (from “O agios pethane”, 1993) [Submitted by Daniel]
21. Blood Red Throne – “Itika” (from “Imperial Congregation”, 2021) [Submitted by Vinny]
22. Broken Hope – “Mutilated & Assimilated” (from “Mutilated & Assimilated”, 2017) [Submitted by Vinny]
23. Drawn & Quartered – “Oblivion Pilgrimage” (from “Congregation Pestilence”, 2021) [Submitted by Vinny]
24. Torsofuck – “Raped By Elephants” (from “Erotic Diarrhea Fantasy”, 2004)
25. Internecine – “Ceremonies Of Deceit (Effulgence Rituals)” (from “The Book Of Lambs”, 2002) [Submitted by Ben]
26. Ophidian I – “Spiral To Oblivion” (from “Desolate”, 2021) [Submitted by Vinny]
27. Clinging To The Trees Of A Forest Fire – “Teeth & Hair” (from “Songs Of Ill Hope & Desperation”, 2010) [Submitted by Daniel]
28. Hate – “Seventh Manvantara” (from “Auric Gates Of Veles”, 2019) [Submitted by Ben]
September 2021
1. Venom Inc. – “Ave Satanas” (from “Avé”, 2017) [Submitted by Vinny]
2. Stratovarius – “Speed Of Light” (from “Episode”, 1996) [Submitted by shadowdoom9 (Andi)]
3. Wintersun – “Time” (from “Time I”, 2012) [Submitted by shadowdoom9 (Andi)]
4. After Forever – “Ephemeral” (from “Prison Of Desire”, 2000) [Submitted by shadowdoom9 (Andi)]
5. Samson – “Thunderburst” (from “Head On”, 1980) [Submitted by Vinny]
6. Saxon – “Heavy Metal Thunder” (from “Strong Arm Of The Law”, 1980)
7. Alice Cooper – “Brutal Planet” (from “Brutal Planet”, 2000)
8. The Lord Weird Slough Feg – “Sky Chariots” (from “Down Among The Deadmen”, 2000) [Submitted by Vinny]
9. Saber – “Without Warning” (from “Without Warning”, 2021)
10. Traveler – “Street Machine” (from “Traveler”, 2019) [Submitted by Vinny]
11. Pharaoh – “The Powers That Be” (from “The Powers That Be”, 2021) [Submitted by Xephyr]
12. Sonic Haven – “The Darker Side” (from “Vagabond”, 2021) [Submitted by Xephyr]
13. Cirith Ungol – “Blood & Iron” (from “One Foot In Hell”, 1986) [Submitted by Xephyr]
14. Bloodbound – “March Into War” (from “Creatures Of The Dark Realm”, 2021)
15. Grand Magus – “Varangian” (from “Sword Songs”, 2016) [Submitted by shadowdoom9 (Andi)]
16. Haunt – “In Our Dreams” (from “Beautiful Distraction”, 2021)
17. Blaze Bayley – “War Within Me” (from “War Within Me’, 2021)
18. Elvenking – “Reader Of The Runes – Book I” (from “Reader Of The Runes – Divination”, 2019) [Submitted by Xephyr]
19. Exmortus – “For The Horde” (from “Ride Forth”, 2016)
20. Powerwolf – “Beast of Gevauden” (from “Call Of The Wild”, 2021)
21. Helloween – “Fear Of The Fallen” (from “Helloween”, 2021)
22. Judas Priest – “Painkiller” (from “Painkiller”, 1990)
23. Dragonland – “Storming Across Heaven” (from “The Battle of the Ivory Plains: The Dragonland Chronicles Part I”, 2001) [Submitted by shadowdoom9 (Andi)]
24. Epica – “Victims Of Contingency” (from “The Quantum Enigma”, 2014) [Submitted by shadowdoom9 (Andi)]
September 2021
1. While She Sleeps – “Systematic” (from “Sleeps Society”, 2021)
2. Mushroomhead – “Solitaire/Unraveling” (from “XX”, 2001)
3. downset. – “Empower” (from “Do We Speak A Dead Language?”, 1996)
4. Staind – “Something To Remind You” (from “Staind”, 2011) [Submitted by Vinny]
5. Dub War – “Enemy Maker” (from “Wrong Side Of Beautiful”, 1996)
6. P.O.D. – “Youth Of The Nation” (from “Satellite”, 2001)
7. Skindred – “Cut Dem” (from “Union Black”, 2011)
8. The Almighty – “All Sussed Out” (from “Just Add Life”, 1996)
9. Dir en Grey – “The Final” (from “Withering To Death.”, 2005) [Submitted by shadowdoom9 (Andi)]
10. Sevendust – “Nothing Left To See Here Anymore” (from “Blood & Stone”, 2020)
11. (hed)pe – “Serpent Boy” (from “(hed)pe”, 1997)
12. Adema – “Giving In” (from “Adema”, 2001)
13. Djerv – “Headstone” (from “Djerv”, 2011)
14. Chevelle – “Peach” (from “Niratias”, 2021)
15. Serj Tankian – “Your Mom” (from “Elasticity” E.P., 2021)
16. Earshot – “Asleep, I Lie” (from “Letting Go”, 2002)
17. Polkadot Cadaver – “Bloodsucker” (from “Sex Offender”, 2011)
18. Deftones – “Be Quiet & Drive (Far Away)” (from “Around The Fur”, 1997) [Submitted by Daniel]
19. Geezer – “Man In A Suitcase” (from “Black Science”, 1997)
20. Pulse Ultra – “Build Your Cages” (from “Head Space”, 2002)
21. American Head Charge – “Just So You Know” (from “The War Of Art”, 2001)
22. Infectious Grooves – “Cousin Randy” (from Groove Family Cyco”, 1994)
23. Lantlos – “Lake Fantasy” (from “Wildhunt”, 2021)
24. Ill Nino – “Unreal” (from “Revolution/Revolucion”, 2001)
25. Drowning Pool – “Bodies” (from “Sinner”, 2001)
26. Stuck Mojo – “Pigwalk” (from “Pigwalk”, 1996)
27. Atreyu – “Underrated” (from “Baptize”, 2021)
28. Architects – “Impermanence” (from “For Those That Wish To Exist”, 2021)
29. Machine Head – “Bulldozer” (from “Supercharger”, 2001)
30. The Bread Scientists – “Helios” (from “Troposphere”, 2021)
31. Beartooth – “Dominate” (from “Below”, 2021)
September 2021
1. My Dying Bride – “A Kiss To Remember” (from “Like Gods Of The Sun”, 1996) [Submitted by shadowdoom9 (Andi)]
2. Melvins – “Eye Flys” (from “Gluey Porch Treatments”, 1987)
3. Red Fang – “Arrows” (from “Arrows”, 2021)
4. Theatre Of Tragedy – “Forever Is The World” (from “Forever Is The World”, 2009) [Submitted by shadowdoom9 (Andi)]
5. Saint Vitus – “Saint Vitus” (from “Saint Vitus”, 1984) [Submitted by Sonny92]
6. Paradise Lost – “The Last Time” (from “Draconian Times”, 1995) [Submitted by shadowdoom9 (Andi)]
7. Anathema – “A Dying Wish” (from “The Silent Enigma”, 1995) [Submitted by Ben]
8. Candlemass – “Dark Reflections” (from “Tales Of Creation”, 1989)
9. Earth – “Seven Angels” (from “Earth 2: Special Low Frequency Version”, 1993) [Submitted by Daniel]
10. Draconian – “Stellar Tombs” (from “Sovran”, 2015) [Submitted by Ben]
11. Temple Of Void – “Leave The Light Behind” (from “The World That Was”, 2020) [Submitted by Sonny92]
12. Witchrot – “Million Shattered Swords” (from “Hollow”, 2021) [Submitted by Sonny92]
13. Cult Of Luna – “O R O” (from “Vertikal II” E.P., 2013) [Submitted by shadowdoom9 (Andi)]
14. Inter Arma – “Citadel” (from “Sulphur English”, 2019) [Submitted by Sonny92]
15. Fossilization – “Neanderthal Tombs” (from “He Whose Name Was Long Forgotten”, 2021)
16. Tyranny – “Coalescent Of The Inhumane Awareness” (from “Tides Of Awakening”, 2005) [Submitted by Ben]
17. Amenra – “Ogentroost” (from “De doorn”, 2021) [Submitted by Daniel]
Wonderfully intense post-sludge metal from the Californain masters of the subgenre. For fans of Isis, Cult of Luna & Amenra.
English gothic metal for fans of Cemetary, Tiamat & late 90's Katatonia.
After completing my Top Ten Doom Metal Releases Of All Time list last weekend, I thought I'd take a shot at my Top Ten Traditional Doom Metal Releases Of All Time. Here's what I came up with:
01. Candlemass – “Nightfall” (1987)
02. Saint Vitus – “Born Too Late” (1986)
03. Candlemass – “Epicus Doomicus Metallicus” (1986)
04. Paul Chain Violet Theatre – “Detaching From Satan” E.P. (1984)
05. Pentagram – “Pentagram” (1985)
06. Saint Vitus – “Saint Vitus” (1984)
07. Trouble – “Psalm 9” (1984)
08. Pagan Altar – “The Time Lord” E.P. (2004)
09. Trouble – “The Skull” (1985)
10. Saint Vitus – “Hallow’s Victim” (1985)
https://metal.academy/lists/single/129
Let's see yours!
Timeghoul - "Panaramic Twilight" demo (1994)
Ben, I think you'd really dig this progressive death metal demo tape. You can find it on the end of the "1992-1994 Discography" compilation.
Nevermore - "Dead Heart In A Dead World" (2000)
Xephyr, I think this one might be something that you'd enjoy.
A highly ambitious mid-90's progressive death metal demo track from Missouri, USA. For fans of Blood Incantation, Demilich & Nucleus.
Thanks Xephyr. I'll add it to the playlist.
Progressive groove metal from Seattle, USA. For fans of Communic, “Shadow Work”-period Warrel Dane & “The Year The Sun Died”-era Sanctuary.
This monster of a doom metal track sounds like Black Sabbath's debut album crossed with Led Zeppelin's "Dazed & Confused" & I absolutely love it.
How much of an absolute riff-fest is this Teutonic thrash belter?! For fans of Sodom, Slayer & Destruction.
Kreator - "Coma Of Souls" (1990)
I revisited this legendary slab of Teutonic thrash glory over the last couple of days & very quickly remembered how much of an absolute riff-fest it is. The production is superb (particularly the killer rhythm guitar tone) & the addition of Frank Blackfire on lead guitar adds some welcome technique & melody to proceedings. There are three or four unmitigated belters amongst the ten tracks on offer here but it's the inevitable quality of the filler material that best showcases the album's true strength i.e. it's overall consistency. Mille's raspy vocals still possess that imposing & instantly recognisable snarl that I've always loved so much but the most noteworthy characteristic of "Coma Of Souls" is the whole new level of maturity in the song-writing which showcases an unusual level of restraint at times. The continued improvement of Ventor as a powerful, precise & efficient drummer is equally impressive, even if it sometimes comes at the expense of one of Kreator's greatest charms i.e. their unbridled aggression. I guess this is partially responsible for "Coma Of Souls" not being my favourite Kreator record. In fact, it probably wouldn't even make my top three but it's still an undeniable classic which is as strong an indication of the importance of Germany's finest metal export as there ever was. What an album cover too!!
For fans of Sodom, Slayer & Destruction.
4.5/5
Yeah I don't like "Teacher's Pet" either. It massively disrupts the flow of the album & stands out like a sore thumb in the tracklisting. In truth though, there's actually a couple of other tracks on "Black Metal" that don't do a lot for me too though, namely "Raise The Dead" & "To Hell & Back". I certainly enjoy the "Black metal" album but I actually prefer "At War With Satan" & "Welcome To Hell" over it these days.
One of the most wonderful female vocal performances in all of metal from this Dutch gothic metal outfit. For fans of Tiamat, The 3rd & the Mortal & Theatre Of Tragedy.
Ben, I'd suggest that "The Black Halo" is definitely a power metal record. The strong use of symphonics & double-kick & the extensive focus on the melody place it pretty comfortably within that category in my opinion although it sounds much more like a European power metal record than it does a US one. Despite this, it has to be said that Kamelot keep their cheesier urges in check much more successfully & the anthemic vocal hooks hold a much greater level of sophistication than the vast majority of their power metal competition. The symphonics are used as an accompaniment in order to accentuate the song-writing rather than as an overthetop focal point too.
Although I've stated earlier that I think "The Black Halo" is the pinnacle of the power metal genre (at least in my experience), there are certainly other releases that you'll find enjoyment in. I'd highly recommend that you check out one of the recent The Guardians feature releases in Unleash The Archers' "Apex" from 2017. Xephyr submitted that one & Vinny & I really dug it which is saying something given our more extreme tendencies & general aversion to a lot of power metal. Interestingly though, Unleash The Archers used to be a melodeath band in their earlier days. Anyway... I'd like to challenge you to check that one out & report back to us. I'd be really interested to hear your thoughts.
Crusty Californian sludge metal for fans of Sea Of Deprivation, Damad & Noothgrush.
Dystopia - "The Aftermath" E.P. (1999)
After thoroughly enjoying 1994's "Human=Garbage" E.P. from crusty Californian sludge metal outfit Dystopia, I decided it'd be well worth my while to check out some more of their back-catalogue & I thought I'd start with this short 20 minute E.P. from 1999 which seems to be regarded in a similar vein. It's certainly not as twisted as "Human=Garbage" in that it doesn't drape itself in the blatant serial killer themes of its older sibling however it doesn't sit far behind in terms of overall quality. The hardcore vocals are spat out in pure contempt throughout while the production is suitably dirty. I really enjoy the hints at artistic experimentation within some of the compositions although it has to be said that the short spurts of blasting drums are poorly executed even if they do have an endearing quality about them. I don't find the doomier final track "Sleep" to be quite as compelling as the first three songs however it's still enjoyable & there's an impressive consistency to the tracklisting that sees me feeling significant reward at its completion. This gives "The Aftermath" a strong replay value even if there are no genuine classics included.
For fans of Sea Of Deprivation, Damad & Noothgrush.
4/5
Classic old-school English death metal with a strong grindcore influence. For fans of Benediction, Hail Of Bullets & 90's Napalm Death.
Bolt Thrower - "Realm Of Chaos" (1989)
Revisited this old friend for the first time in many years this morning. It was my introduction to Bolt Thrower around 1989/90 & I would go on to purchase the album on cassette a short time afterwards. "Realm Of Chaos" showcases a band that was starting to find their sound but was still waiting for their technical skills to catch up with their ambition because the production & performances are pretty sloppy but this doesn't take away from a gloriously pure death metal atmosphere. There's a much stronger grindcore influence to this album than you'll here on Bolt Thrower's later material with early Napalm Death & Carcass clearly having been an inspiration along with "Reign In Blood" era Slayer. You'll get the odd hint at those signature Bolt Thrower melodies here & there but the catchy song-writing is already in full effect despite the rawer faster & more blast-beat driven approach. This is still a very solid death metal record that possibly hasn't aged as well as some which has subsequently seen me rating it behind later releases like "The IVth Crusade", "...For Victory" & "Those Once Loyal".
For fans of Benediction, Hail of Bullets & 90's Napalm Death.
4/5
Congratulations Ben. Amazing work.
Can I request the ability to edit the name of a forum thread?
I actually think there's a strong case for this month's feature releases being the strongest we've had since we introduced the clan-member submissions arrangement as I'm not sure I've gained the consistency of enjoyment before. Here are my results in order of preference:
1. Akhlys - "The Dreaming I" (2015) 5/5
2. Leprous - "Tall Poppy Syndrome" (2009) 4.5/5
3. Katatonia - "Brave Murder Day" (1996) 4.5/5
4. Dog Fashion Disco - "Adultery" (2006) 4/5
5. Saxon - "Thunderbolt" (2018) 4/5
6. The Chasm - "Procession To The Infraworld" (2000) 4/5
7. Nuclear Assault - "Game Over" (1986) 4/5
8. Skycamefalling - "10.21" (2000) 4/5
9. OLD - "Lo Flux Tube" (1991) 3.5/5
There were a few old favourites from Nuclear Assault, Katatonia & The Chasm that are still as potent as they've ever been. There were not one but TWO brand new classics to hang in my Hall of Metal Glory from Akhlys & Leprous. The Dog Fashion Disco, Saxon & Skycamefalling releases were all pleasant surprises & I even found myself getting into the OLD record, despite not finding it particularly interesting back in the day.
And well done to Vinny who has given me one of the greatest extreme metal experiences I've ever had in that Akhlys record. To say I was blown away is a massive understatement. It's one of the best couple of discoveries I've been gifted with since the Metal Academy website started up a few years ago.
Possibly the greatest example of the more European variety of power metal ironically comes from a US outfit in Kamelot. For fans of Dream Theater, Avantasia & Sonata Arctica.
Kamelot - "The Black Halo" (2005)
Ben first introduced me to this wonderful American power metal record back in 2014 & it's since continued to develop an increasingly more significant hold on my emotions ever since. In fact, I don't think I can deny that it's my favourite power metal record after this revisit. The below review was completed at the time & it still rings very true today:
I'm generally not much of a fan of power metal but this album has really gotten under my skin. The production & performances are outstanding & vocalist Roy Khan is an amazing talent. "March Of Mephisto", "When The Lights Are Down", "The Haunting (Somewhere In Time)" & "The Black Halo" are all five star belters with loads of hooks that'll have you singing the choruses in your head for days afterwards. There are some cheesier moments but none of the weaker material has a major impact on my overall enjoyment levels as there aren't really any genuine duds here. There seems to be a strong Dream Theater influence in the band's sound & that can't be a bad thing as far as I'm concerned. It's not overly technical though. It's more in the atmosphere & melodic structure. At the end of the day there can be very little doubt that this is a high quality melodic metal record that could possibly be my new favourite power metal album.
For fans of Dream Theater, Avantasia & Sonata Arctica.
4/5
Here's my updated list after revisiting Kamelot's "The Black Halo" album over the last couple of days:
01. Iron Maiden – “Somewhere In Time” (1986)
02. Iron Maiden – “Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son” (1988)
03. Iron Maiden – “Powerslave” (1984)
04. Judas Priest – “Painkiller” (1990)
05. Ozzy Osbourne – “Speak Of The Devil” (1982)
06. Black Sabbath – “Paranoid” (1970)
07. W.A.S.P. – “The Crimson Idol” (1992)
08. Iron Maiden – “Live After Death” (1985)
09. Crimson Glory – “Crimson Glory” (1986)
10. Kamelot - "The Black Halo" (2005)
11. Black Sabbath – “Live Evil” (1982)
12. Iron Maiden - "Rock In Rio" (2002)
13. Black Sabbath - "Sabotage" (1975)
14. Iron Maiden - "The Number Of The Beast" (1982)
15. Queensryche - "Operation: Mindcrime" (1988)
16. Iced Earth - "Alive In Athens" (1999)
17. Manowar - "Into Glory Ride" (1983)
18. Iron Maiden - "Piece Of Mind" (1983)
19. Medieval Steel - "Medieval Steel" E.P. (1984)
20. Unleash The Archers - "Apex" (2017)
21. Motorhead - "No Sleep Till Hammersmith" (1981)
22. Dio - "Holy Diver" (1983)
23. Black Sabbath - "The End: 4 February 2017 Birmingham" (2017)
24. Queensryche - "Operation:LIVEcrime" (2001)
25. Judas Priest - "Defenders Of The Faith" (1984)
Magnificent US grindcore for fans of Gridlink, Fuck The Facts & Antigama.
I was in dire need of some violence & brutality to revitalise my metal mantra when I finally returned to extreme music after a decade in the electronic music wilderness in 2009 & this requirement was promptly met in no uncertain terms by the 2000 third album from New Jersey grindcore act Discordance Axis. “The Inalienable Dreamless” unapologetically beat my brains in with a jackhammer & left me wondering if the entire scene had gone insane in my time away. Strangely, I haven’t returned to it since so a revisit has been well overdue for many years now.
In classic grindcore style, “The Inalienable Dreamless” comprises of a full 17 tracks but takes just 23 minutes to pummel you into submission. It doesn’t muck around either because this is some of the most ridiculously abrasive material you’re likely to find in extreme metal & this isn’t just due to the awesome blasting drum performance of talented skinsman Dave Witte whose amazingly powerful performance is highlighted by a brilliant understanding of how to use his ride cymbal to further accentuate his blast beats. Front man Jon Chang unsurprisingly screams his fucking guts out & there’s a spasmodic chaos to this record that borrows heavily from mathcore acts like The Dillinger Escape Plan in order to create an added layer of interest with the use of odd time signatures & more angular riff structures taking the album to new levels of interest & intrigue.
Despite pushing past the majority of its peers as far as pure savagery goes, this really isn’t your average grindcore record. It’s much more sophisticated than that & sports a production job that offers the perfect balance of clarity & extremity. The fact that I often find myself looking back at each track & wondering how the band have managed to stuff so much substance into such a short period of time is a sure sign of a superior grindcore act. It's worth mentioning that this is not the type of album that I feel like sticking on all that often though as it fits a very specific niche & does it particularly well to say the least as you’ll rarely find a release that possesses more energy, violence & chaos than this one. These are some of the primary requirements of good grindcore music too which makes "The Inalienable Dreamless" one of the most effective examples of its type. In fact, I’m gonna go so far as to say that it’s just slipped past Pig Destroyer’s “Prowler In The Yard” to snatch the honour of being my all-time favourite grindcore release these days so it should be essential listening for anyone interested in the genre.
For fans of Gridlink, Fuck The Facts & Antigama.
4/5
The Lord Weird Slough Feg - "Traveller" (2003)
Andi, I'd imagine that you'd really dig this epic US power metal record. You too Vinny if you haven't already given it a run. Think Brocas Helm, Manilla Road & Eternal Champion.
Some very solid US power metal from Pennsylvania, USA. For fans of Brocas Helm, Manilla Road & Eternal Champion.
Late 80's Swiss technical thrash metal.
Coroner - "Punishment For Decadence" (1988)
My below review from many years ago still holds up but I'm now finding that I'd probably take "R.I.P." over the CD version of "Punishment For Decadence" due to the entirely unnecessary cover version of Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze" that's tacked on the end. The vinyl & cassette version (which is what I grew up with) is a step up though. There are some genuinely great moments, despite the fact that many of the riffs still resemble practice exercises more than artistic expression.
"This was my introduction to Coroner way back in 1988/89. I bought the album on cassette & listened to it quite regularly. It was certainly a much classier effort than their debut album "R.I.P." from the previous year but I still found myself struggling a little with Tommy's occasional neo-classical indulgences. Instrumental "Arc-Lite" with its Malmsteen-esque arpeggios was a particularly awkward listen for me as the neo-classical element seems to take away from the darkness of the atmosphere & at times it all seems a little cheesy. The rest of the album is generally quite enjoyable though with "Absorbed", "Sudden Fall" & "The New Breed" being the pick of the bunch. It's definitely a solid release but 80's Coroner never really appealed to me like 90's Coroner did."
4/5 for the vinyl/cassette version
3.5/5 for the CD version
High quality blackened death metal from Mexico. For fans of Dissection, Cenotaph & Infinitum Obscure.
I first became aware of Mexican outfit The Chasm through a South American tape trader way back in the mid 1990’s & didn’t mind their first couple of doom-laden death metal albums, particularly their 1996 sophomore effort “From The Lost Years…”. But it would be more than a decade before I’d return to the band & discover that they’d become somewhat of a cult artist in the underground extreme metal scene while I’d been busy indulging myself in the electronic music scene. 2000’s “Procession To The Infraworld” (arguably The Chasm’s most highly regarded work) would be the first of The Chasm’s classic period releases that I'd investigate & it didn’t make as big an impact on me as I’d expected upon first listen. Thankfully, I gave it some time & was warmly rewarded for my patience.
“Procession Into The Infraworld” isn’t the most clinical death metal record you’ll find. Instead, it goes for a much looser & more chaotic approach to both its production & execution. The musicianship isn’t amazing to be honest. Antonio León’s drumming is certainly pretty ambitious however the incredibly clicky kick drum sound is particularly unforgiving & showcases Antonio’s technical failings fairly obviously while the lead guitar work is performed at a pretty basic level & is one of the weaknesses of the album. The complexity of the song-structures is quite impressive though with The Chasm rarely sticking to the one riff for more than a few bars which gives the album an urgency that it might not have possessed otherwise. Daniel Corchado’s vocal performance offers great variety & a significant amount of menace which gives some of the less imposing tracks a little more underground credibility too. Those of you who are familiar with Incantation's "Diabolical Conquest" album might be pleasantly surprised at the alternative directions he takes here in comparison to the more consistently deep & guttural contribution he made to that particular late 90's classic.
Musically, “Procession Into The Infraworld” isn’t the most brutal death metal release you’ll find & it doesn’t have the darkest atmosphere either but neither of those comments should be taken as negatives. The Chasm’s more death metal inclined riffage sports a uniquely Mexican edge that’s got plenty of room for melody without ever crossing over into melodeath territory. It reminds me a lot of Corchado’s early 90’s band Cenotaph’s 1994 sophomore album “Riding Our Black Oceans” & also 2009’s “Sub Altris Caelis” record from fellow Mexicans Infinitum Obscure which was more than likely influenced by it. But if you allow yourself to ignore all of the genre-tagging you see online, close your eyes & focus on what’s really going on, you’ll notice something really interesting because at least half of the guitar work on this release sits more comfortably under the black metal banner than it does under a death metal one & I feel that this major element is deserving of the "blackened death metal" label. There are loads of dissonant open-string arpeggios going on that wouldn’t feel out of place on a Satyricon or Burzum record & there’s a thrashy edge to some of it that’s not all that dissimilar to Immortal’s “At The Heart Of Winter” album too. But the major influence I pick up from “Procession To The Infraworld” is that of Swedish melodic black metal gods Dissection with the same sort of complex melodic movement being employed consistently across the tracklisting. It’s this ever-changing combination of accessible black metal melody & more meaty death metal chug that give this record its widespread underground appeal in my opinion.
On paper, “Procession To The Infraworld” isn’t exactly in line with my usual death metal preferences however it’s hard not to admire the integrity in its concept as it really is an unabashed statement on the strength of the underground extreme metal scene & it’s this characteristic that allows me to overlook its flaws. There are some really strong tracks included here but it’s really only closer “Storm Of Revelations” that sees me reaching tier one levels of admiration. The rest of the album is very consistent but the lack of precision & polish in the performances I mentioned earlier combines with a greater concentration on melody than I’m usually comfortable with to see me reeling my adoration in a bit. There’s no doubt that this is a strong record. It’s just not the classic that some people would have you believe it is.
For fans of Dissection, Cenotaph & Infinitum Obscure.
4/5
Avant-garde industrial metal from New Jersey, USA. For fans of Godflesh, Voivod & early Scorn.