CD Review: “Dim Days Of Dolor” by Sirenia
Sirenia's newest release, Dim Days Of Dolor, is a majestic journey of heavy twists and melodic turns. This record marks the debut of Emmanuelle Zoldan as lead female vocalist. Zoldan has sung back-up with Sirenia for 13 years, making her familiar wi ...
CD Review: “The Serpent Only Lies” by Crowbar
The Masters of Sludge get back to the basics on their 11th record, The Serpent Only Lies. The return of Todd Strange may play a role in this as Crowbar aim for heaviness over experimentation on this album. This is not to say that 2011's Sever The Wicked H ...
CD Review: “Maximalism” by AMARANTHE
Electronica meets death metal on AMARANTHE's fourth record, Maximalism. The first half of Maximalism is accessible metal with poppy hooks and choruses. The initial track “Maximize” opens with a driving techno beat followed by choppy riffs. The party ...
CD Review: “Five” by The Agonist
The Agonist stay on the deathcore path with its newest release, Five. The band's brand of melodic deathcore is contrived at this point with the group opting to play by the numbers. The opening song “The Moment” is equal parts deathcore with a slight ...
CD Review: “Creatures Watching Over The Dead” by Charred Walls Of The Damned
Heavy metal supergroup Charred Walls Of The Damned returns with its third record, Creatures Watching Over The Dead. Creatures is the band's first record in five years, which is understandable considering the busy schedule of its members. Bassist Ste ...
CD Review: “Decision Day” by Sodom
It took three years, but the legendary Teutonic thrash outfit Sodom is back with its fifteenth record, Decision Day. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the band's formation in 1981. However, the band still retains the aggression and Satanic vig ...
CD Review: “Moonbathers” by Delain
Delain's latest release, Moonbathers, successfully blends crunchy riffs with symphonic flair. The opening track, “Hands of Gold” is replete with galloping riffs and majestic orchestral samples. The track is straightforward with a stronger emphasis on heav ...
CD Review: “Snake Church” by Ringworm
Cleveland hardcore-metal outfit Ringworm spread the crossover gospel on its eighth record, Snake Church. The title track fires like shrapnel in the air piercing all in its path. The rollicking guitar riffs and hardcore drumming are relentless as vocalist ...
CD Review: ‘Mass Confusion’ by Dust Bolt
German thrash outfit Dust Bolt cut to the chase on Mass Confusion. The opening track, “Sick X Brain” is one minute of full on crossover thrash. The blitzkrieg rages on with the title track which starts with chugging riffs before the band launches a thrash ...
CD Review: ‘The Poison Red’ by Nonpoint
Nonpoint's ninth record, The Poison Red, is a mix of old and new. The band's signature heavy groove is abound, but the band does a bit of experimentation on this record. The choppy riffing on “Foaming At The Mouth” recalls early Helmet and totally contras ...