Serpent Cobra - Beware EP

Labels: Helter Skelter Productions/Stoner Witch Records

Formats: Vinyl/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 25 Feb 2022

Tracklist:

1. Walpurgisnight

2. Beware

3. Bloody Countess

Argentinian doom/proto-metal is my jam this evening in the form of Serpent Cobra, who released their latest EP Beware in February via Helter Skelter Productions and Stoner Witch Records. Serpent Cobra started out as a duo in 2017 but it was 2020 that saw them release their first music, coinciding with the addition of two new members. After the Master Of It All single, they released their debut album Anatomy Of Abuses with the help of both Stoner Witch Records and Interstellar Smoke Records. New EP Beware features three tracks and is available digitally from the band, as well as on both vinyl and tape from the labels mentioned above.

We’re not far off flying headfirst into a new working week, so a final bit of escapism is needed. Serpent Cobra bring it in spades on Beware. ‘Walpurgisnight’ is a mid-paced heavy metal/doom song cut from the cloth of Sabbath and Candlemass, with some added South American flair. The clean vocals sit well amongst the percussion and hypnotic riffs, while the lead-guitar wails later on. 

The EP’s title-track ‘Beware’ is an instrumental that’s a world away from it’s opener. It’s gentle and almost folky in places, though it still has some sinister undertones to it. ‘Bloody Countess’ rounds things out with a bass-heavy slab of stoner doom. I think there’s more punk to this release than meets the eye, but that could be just my ears deceiving me. Either way, it’s a cool way to end.

Beware acts as a teaser before the release of Serpent Cobra’s second LP and it’s a good place to start if (like me) you’re new to the band. It should appeal to those who like occult rock, as well as the aforementioned sub-genres. It also reminds me that I need to dive back into the slower, groovier side of metal with more gusto again.

For fans of: Acid Mammoth, Jess And The Ancient Ones, Alunah, Candlemass & The Hidden Hand. 

You can stream and purchase Beware digitally below:-

Serpent Cobra - https://www.facebook.com/serpentcobraheavydoom

Physical copies can be purchased from the labels below:-

Stoner Witch Records - https://www.stonerwitchrecords.com/

Helter Skelter Productions (Distributed by Shadow Records/Regain Records) - 

https://www.shadowrecords.se/

Stoner Witch Records - https://www.facebook.com/stonerwitchrecords

Helter Skelter Productions - https://www.facebook.com/helterskelterproductions

Fate's Hand - Fate's Hand EP

Labels: Dying Victims Productions

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Digital

Release Date: 30 Jul 2021

Tracklist:

1. Fate's Hand

2. Fascination

3. What's Been Will Be Again

4. When The Wolf Comes

Second week into two weeks of leave and I feel like I've been treading water a bit. I've got a small build up of content so let's get to it. First up, I wanted to write about something that's a bit more heavy metal leaning and I came across a promo for the debut EP from Australia's Fate's Hand in my inbox. It was released back in July via German label Dying Victims Productions on vinyl, cd and digitally. The quartet features members from the likes of Cauldron Black Ram, Mongrel's Cross and StarGazer to name a few. They play epic heavy metal crossed with a bit a speed as well.

I do have a yearning for some good old heavy metal now and then. Fate’s Hand straddle that line between hard rock and heavy metal, with obvious comparisons. The title track ‘Fate’s Hand’ is mid-paced for the most part, melodic and definitely epic. There are darker moments though, which point to the other projects the band members are in, adding to the quality of the song-writing and instrumentation for sure. The guitars are the main point of interest here, adding loads of heft and melody.

‘Fascination’ is more up-tempo in the percussion department at first, before Fate’s Hand settles back into a consistent and oddly hypnotic mid-tempo passage. That’s the formula used throughout the rest of the song, which doesn’t do it any harm whatsoever. The guitar soloing is clean and very impressive without being too showy, the bass bounces underneath while the vocals are full of the usual falsettos.

The EP’s latter half is filled with more urgency and a slight change in tone. ‘What’s Been Will Be Again’ eschews those higher pitched vocals from earlier, with lower ones taking over. The song seems more focused in part due to it’s shorter length. I may be guilty of over-analysing as usual, but that’s just me I guess. This is very solid heavy metal indeed.

Final song ‘When The Wolf Comes’ is another fine slab of old school heavy metal worship from Fate’s Hand. I went through a phase early on in my metal listening days, when I discovered power/fantasy metal and actually enjoyed it a lot. As I went down the more extreme rabbit hole, that enjoyment waned. I’m not saying that Fate’s Hand could be considered a power/fantasy metal band, but sometimes the lines blur. This is a strong debut release though from a band that’s very talented and true to their roots.

You can stream and purchase Fate's Hand on all formats below:-

You can also buy physical copies from Dying Victims Productions below:-

https://shop.dying-victims.de/

Fate's Hand - https://www.instagram.com/fates.hand/

Dying Victims Productions - https://www.facebook.com/dyingvictimsproductions

Arcana 13 - Black Death 7"

Labels: Aural Music

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 17 Jan 2020

Tracklist:

1. Black Death

2. Wrathchild

Fitting in a quick review this evening. Tow lengthier ones will be up tomorrow and Wednesday all being well. I hope everybody's doing well! Despite the increasingly sunny backdrop out of my lounge window, it's about to get a lot gloomier inside thanks to this 7" release from Italian horror-inspired doom metal outfit Arcana 13. It was released back in January via Aural Music (who have worked with the likes of Amesoeurs, Manes and Negura Bunget, to name but a few). Arcana 13 released their debut album Danza Macabra over four years ago, also via Aural Music along with Metal Defiance Productions.

Arcana 13’s love of horror movie scores and the occult shines through on opening title-track ‘Black Death’, which is an expertly played dose of doom with traditional heavy metal leanings. It’s remarkably clean in sound and the melodic vocals nod towards the operatic history of Italian classical music without taking over or becoming cheesy. The percussion is delivered in a simple yet professional way, while the guitars and the mellotron bring a mix of both dread and comfort respectively.

Following on from ‘Black Death’, ‘Wrathchild’ walks the line created by 70s prog rock and psych, which adds an extra element to the band’s sound and give you plenty to enjoy. It shows that there’s more to Arcana 13 than just nightmarish horror-worship. Italian bands have always been unique to me and while often being more theatrical, they’ve always thrived with creativity. Here’s hoping that this quartet comes back with more new music soon. This little EP is stonking!

Stream and purchase vinyl/digital copies below:-

Arcana 13 - https://www.facebook.com/arcanatredici/

Aural Music - https://www.facebook.com/auralmusicgroup/

Blessed Black - Beyond The Crimson Throne

Labels: Self-Released

Formats: CD/Digital

Release Date: 17 Jan 2020

Tracklist:

1. The White Wolf

2. The Black Gate

3. Heavy Is The Crown

4. The Shadows

5. Arioch's Bargain

6. Finding The Limits

7. Stormbringer

This year isn't going to be anywhere near normal so you might as well embrace the music that's been released already. Cincinnati, Ohio (USA) stoner/doom/heavy metal band Blessed Black self-released their debut album back in January and it's been on my review list for a little while. I'm just sorry it's taken me so long to write about it. The album cover screams Black Sabbath, Graveyard and Haunt vibes amongst other influences, so here's hoping it comes close.

It’s been ages since I’ve featured this brand of stoner/doom, but I’m glad I’ve gravitated to it this evening. The initial riffs of album opener ‘The White Wolf’ sound strangely familiar (they sound a little bit like a post-hardcore/rock song I like. Can't remember the song title or band name though!). This is a really solid instrumental song with huge riffs and percussion, as well as those melodic tones that fill me with nostalgia.

‘The Black Gate’ is equally as big in the riff department and you’d be forgiven for thinking that Blessed Black are an instrumental band, but they’re not. Around the sixty-second mark the vocals kick in with a soaring melodic tone that might be a little filtered, but that fits the music perfectly. This album reminds me of how much I’ve been neglecting the stoner metal sub-genre of late. There’s something about Blessed Black’s sound on ‘Heavy Is The Crown’ that brings back memories of the heyday of bands like Saliva (before nu-metal became a dirty word) and before slick melody was shunned. Either way, this is great and I’m gonna champion it for sure.

The mid-point of Beyond The Crimson Throne brings you ‘The Shadows’ and this is where the band’s traditional heavy metal chops show though, thanks to some great twin-guitar melodies amongst other things. Yes it’s more rooted in modern times but you can’t argue with those hooks! Things get a little more progressive on ‘Arioch’s Bargain’ but don’t worry, as Blessed Black don’t abandon their groove or catchiness one bit. As they’ve already proven, longer songs don’t mean noodling or loss of momentum and that is made all the more clear here. 

Penultimate song ‘Finding The Limits’ is a slower, more contemplative number in parts. It’s grittier and definitely the most balled-like song, if that’s the right description (I presume not, but I’m rolling with it anyway). Musically it’s extremely well delivered, as is the whole album. Album closer ‘Stormbringer’ builds like the earlier songs on Beyond The Crimson Throne and it’s a joyous way to end the record. Heavy and alternative music is always evolving and/or revolving back to where it began and both are right when talking about Blessed Black. They’re bringing a modern touch to a sound that’s familiar and comforting, especially to those who grew up with melodic rock as a gateway to darker/heavier things.

You can stream 'Beyond The Crimson Throne' and buy it on CD or digitally below:-

Blessed Black - https://www.facebook.com/blessedblackdoom/

War Dogs - Die By My Sword

Labels: Fighter Records/Witchcraft Records

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 09 Jan 2020

Tracklist:

1. Die By My Sword

2. Castle Of Pain

3. Wings Of Fire

4. Master Of Revenge

5. Kill The Past

6. Ready To Strike

7. The Shark (feat. Bryan 'Hellroadie' Patrick)

8. The Lights Are On (But Nobody's Home)

9. Gorgon Eyes

10. Wrath Of Theseus

Relief is very much needed this evening. Having said that, it does feel strange talking about a Spanish band given how hard that country has been hit over the last couple of weeks. Valencian heavy/speed metal band War Dogs released their debut album Die By My Sword via Fighter Records back in January on vinyl and cd, while they worked with Witchcraft Records on a tape version. It follows their self-titled debut EP, which came out in 2018. 

If Zorro fronted a band, it’d sound like War Dogs. That’s not being disrespectful, it’s just the image that’s conjured when hearing this album’s title-track ‘Die By My Sword’. It’s melodic, skilfully played speed/traditional heavy metal with cleanly sung vocals that remind you of the character himself. It’s said that War Dogs contain elements of power metal and they may well do, but it’s not that obvious to these ears (maybe I’ve not listened to any power metal in a long time). What is obvious as ‘Castle Of Pain’ plays is that catchy instrumentation is something that this band does very well.

Speed metal is the overriding element throughout this album and ‘Wings Of Fire’ is where it’s at. The exhilarating intro that goes on for over sixty-seconds is perfect and leads to an equally frenetic song as a whole. I do enjoy this form of heavy metal but feel that sometimes albums can become quite staid and boring. So far, that’s not the case here as musically this is top notch. ‘Master Of Revenge’ is so upbeat and enjoyable, it makes you forget about all of the madness going on in the world right now. Even when it’s riffs become more chug-laden mid-way through, they still add to the excellence on show. 

As the metal drowns out the incessant noise made by my neighbours, the galloping tempo of ‘Kill The Past’ takes over. It’s a song that goes by in a flash of razor-sharp riffs and bass-lines, pounding percussion and soaring dual-vocals. Before you know it, you’re in the grips of ‘Ready To Strike’, which is another cleverly titled song as War Dogs really are ready to strike as they truly settle into the record. This is brilliant from start to end. They truly take on another form on ‘The Shark”, which features additional vocals from Bryan ‘Hellroadie’ Patrick of the legendary Manilla Road. It’s much more fantasy based, especially in the lyrical department but it’s also great fun and kind of reminds me of GWAR, maybe!

Things take on an Eastern form thanks to the vocal melodies of ‘the Lights Are On (But Nobody’s Home’). They’re very subtle tones but they work and add an extra element to the heavy metal of War Dogs here. Penultimate track ‘Gorgon Eyes’ picks up the pace again, making great use of the momentum gained throughout the album. It’s the shortest song here, which is the reason for the urgency and it works really well too. 

That momentum flows straight into album closer ‘Wrath Of Theseus’ and it’s the last chance you have to enjoy the pleasing heavy metal of War Dogs. There aren’t many opportunities to indulge in such pleasures at the moment but this is one of them and I’ll be damned if anything’s getting in the way. A great modern heavy metal album that deserves more attention. 

You can stream Die By My Sword and purchase it super cheap digitally below:-

War Dogs - https://www.facebook.com/WarDogsHeavyMetal/

You can buy the album on CD and vinyl from Fighter Records here - http://shop.xtreemmusic.com/ and on tape via Witchcraft Records here - https://witchcraftrecords.bigcartel.com.

Fighter Records - https://www.facebook.com/fighter.records/

Witchcraft Records - https://www.facebook.com/witchcraftrecordshm/

Haunt - Mind Freeze (Shadow Kingdom Records)

Labels: Shadow Kingdom Records

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 10 Jan 2020

Tracklist: 

1. Light The Beacon

2. Hearts On Fire

3. Mind Freeze

4. Divide And Conquer

5. Saviours Of Man

6. Fight Or Flight

7. Have No Fear

8. On The Stage

9. Voyager

The heavy metal genre lost one of it's modern greats when Beastmaker's Trevor William Church announced that Haunt was going to be his primary focus, but fans of the music needn't have worried too much. Haunt takes what Beastmaker created and runs with it. 2019 was a bumper year for the band, seeing the release of a full-length, an EP and two splits. 2020 has only just started and the quartet is back with their their full-length "Mind Freeze". The line-up, completed by drummer Daniel Wilson, bassist Taylor Hollman and guitarist/backing-vocalist John Tucker are here to make sure that 2020 is their year.

The heavy metal wave has continually crashed against the wider metal shore for the last year or so and it shows no sign of stopping. Haunt, like genre comrades Khemmis, are focusing on catchy and melodic metal. Opening song Light The Beacon contains everything that we’ve come to expect from Haunt over recent years and magnifies it. Melodic vocals, striding guitar-work and drumming to match.

Their sound leans way more towards the traditional end of the heavy metal spectrum and the galloping, up-beat tempos of Hearts On Fire are a perfect example of why Haunt’s music is held in such high regard at the moment. There’s nothing offensive (volume-wise) here and the clean singing will appeal to a wide audience, especially those jumping in from a hard rock direction.

Mind Freeze as a title-track has to be the standout song on the album for me. It’s the longest song on the record and while sometimes, those lengthier songs can lose the listeners attention, Haunt keeps it thanks to some epic guitar work that catches the imagination. Drawing comparisons to Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath may seem lazy, but they make sense when hearing this song and hint at the quality on display.

As well as the obvious traditional heavy metal leanings, there’s also an element of fantasy that’s been brought alive by Haunt, which may have remind you of European bands like Blind Guardian and Hammerfall. Divide And Conquer has that influence, but without the cheese. The synths on Saviours Of Man gives way to a very empowering song, played with focus and urgency. They’re a nice addition to the sound and help to pull you out of that brief fantasy realm.

The empowerment continues on the short but sweet Fight Or Flight. This shorter format of song is used to keep momentum high on “Mind Freeze” and it manages to stay on the right side of being called filler. That’s one term you can’t use when talking about Haunt. There are a lot of bands that try and pull this style off, but who fail to get close and Have No Fear is a song written by a band who’ve transcended that level.

The musicality doesn’t stop there either, as penultimate song On The Stage comes at you with a mix of Ramones-era punk and glam rock. It’s subtly woven in but it’s there and is packaged together really well alongside the band’s metal backbone. Album closer Voyager gives birth to one last head-banging heavy metal anthem and draws a line under an album that highlights a band that’s really maturing and growing.

At this point, I’d like to say that I don’t usually mention as many other bands in my reviews as I have done in this one, but the reason I’ve done it here is because it highlights how widespread Haunt’s fanbase could be on hearing this album. I’m not sure it’s as strong as 2018”s “Burst Into Flame”, but “Mind Freeze” is still an awesome record and the fact that Shadow Kingdom Records has made it available across multiple formats just goes to show the belief that they and the band have in it. That belief is fully justified.

You can stream "Mind Freeze" and purchase it on all formats below:-

Haunt - https://www.facebook.com/hauntthenation/

Shadow Kingdom Records - https://www.facebook.com/ShadowKingdomRecords/

Hexenbrett - Erste Beschwörung EP

Labels: Self-Released/Caligari Records

Formats: Digital/Tape

Release Date: 01 Jan 2019/31 May 2019

Tracklist:

1. Hexen (Bis Aufs Blut Gequält)

2. Toter Schrei

3. Farben Der Nacht

4. Sie Fliegen!

Being ill sucks but thankfully I'm pretty much over it now and I have more energy, which I want to put to good use. It's being channelled this evening into writing about a brand new German black/heavy metal band, whose self-released 2018 EP has just been reissued via Caligari Records. "Erste Beschwörung" was originally released digitally on tape via Hexenbrett last December, before being picked up by Caligari and re-released on tape at the end of May. Little is known about the band beyond the above.

Into the rabbit hole I go again. Mysterious, lesser heard black metal seems to be everywhere at the moment but solely calling this a black metal release would be doing it a huge disservice. Hexenbrett’s sound is heavily rooted in classic heavy metal, with German language growls adding harshness. The melodic riffs and choral singing stop proceedings from turning too extreme on opening song Hexen (Bis Aufs Blut Gequält). So far this is great!

Hexenbrett may still be a little bit wet-behind-the-ears to some,  but their traditional sound is one to behold and instrumentally, they’re really impressive. Toter Schrei shows off their musical creativity again with horror film-like soundscapes and effects. The lead work is solid too! They’re not just pushing the same old musical envelope here. 

The tempo on “Erste Beschwörung” seems to increase as the EP continues and with Farben Der Nacht, you’re treated to a black/thrash frenzy with a quintessential German twist. Elements of twisted post-punk, goth and rock make themselves heard here. I told you this wasn’t just another black metal release!

Closing song Sie Fliegen! is off-kilter and very much avant-garde in it’s delivery (sorry for sounding pretentious!). Slow/fast tempos and added urgency help to create a proper rousing finish. They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and while you could never describe Hexenbrett’s music as beautiful, you can’t ignore it either. Hopefully, this won’t be the only music we hear from the band. Their progression will be something to truly behold.

You can stream the full EP and purchase it as a name-your-price download from Hexenbrett below:-

It's available to buy on tape from Caligari Records here -
https://caligarirecords.bandcamp.com/album/erste-beschw-rung

Caligari Records - https://www.facebook.com/CaligariRecords/

Cicutoxin/Necroslurg - Split 7"

Labels: Ramekuukkeli-Levyt

Formats: Vinyl

Release Date: 07 May 2019

Tracklist:

1. Cicutoxin - Mental Fog

2. Cicutoxin - A Decent Scum

3. Necroslurg - Messiaaninen Kirous

4. Necroslurg - Lyijysivellin

It's Saturday morning and I'm in that weird state between feeling hungover and not feeling hungover, if that makes sense? Reason being, I visited a brewery taproom in my home town yesterday and had a good time. Anyway, the release that I'm reviewing this morning will either banish my hangover just like a hair-of-the-fog would or make it worse (in a good way). This is the latest split release to come from Finnish label Ramekuukkeli-Levyt and features two bands that have been included on this blog before, all round heavy quintet Cicutoxin and heavy punk metal (their words) label-mates Necroslurg. Both bands contribute two songs to this split and it was kindly sent to me by Ramekuukkeli head honcho Tuukka.

I’ve long since been an admirer of Finnish heavy music and I love Cicutoxin’s brand of sludge, It’s got a great punk edge to it and their opening song here, Metal Fog is no exception. It sounds great on vinyl too. A Decent Scum is the longer of their two songs and it’s slower in tempo as a result. Definitely leaning more towards their doom/sludge influences The vocals are low and vicious growls while the drums put forth a terrifyingly slow beat to match the guitar/bass riffs. In terms of comparisons (if I have to make any), I’d put them next to countrymen Profetus maybe, albeit a faster version though I'm probably way off here. Great stuff that proves that the portal to hell exists and that it’s grounded in Finland.

Necroslurg on the b-side of this split present as faster approach on Messiaaninen Kirous. Like the blackened punk of bands like Darkthrone and (earlier)Entombed, mixed with the audaciousness of Turbonegro is how I’d describe them here. Pure aggressive punk fuelled heavy metal with raging vox. Lyijysivellin is no different and the fact that Necroslurg, as with previous releases, sing entirely in their native tongue adds to the effectiveness of their music. Intense while not being overpowering, there’s a simplicity to it that makes it super catchy. 

This split is over in no time, which is both positive and negative. Positive because it’ll make you put it on repeat but negative because you’ll no doubt be yearning for more from both bands after hearing it. Once again, a short sharp showcase of the chaotic noise that Finland has to offer in 2019. Great job and long may both bands and Ramekuukkeli-Levyt continue to support and produce it.

You can stream both of Necroslurg's tracks via Youtube below:-

Cicutoxin - https://www.facebook.com/Cicutoxin

Necroslurg - https://www.facebook.com/Necroslurg/

You can buy copies via Ramekuukkeli-Levyt here - http://ramekuukkeli.nettisivu.org

Ramekuukkeli-Levyt - https://www.facebook.com/Rämekuukkeli-levyt

V/A: Trapped Under Ice Vol. 1 - The New Face Of Canadian Heavy Metal

Labels: Temple Of Mystery Records

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Digital

Release Date: 25 Jan 2019

Tracklist:

1. Traveler - Betrayer

2. Metalian - Streets Of Fire

3. Cauchemar - Comme Un Poignard

4. Occult Burial - Fight For Survival

5. Starlight Ritual - Demons

6. Freeways - Heavy Rescue

7. Barrow Wight - Morgul Blade

8. Spell - Silent Towers

9. Blackrat - From The Tideless Sea

10. Emblem - Fast Rocker

Heavy metal (the genre, not the term) has come full circle in the face of.all of its evolving sub-genres and is healthier than ever. Canadian label Temple Of Mystery feels the same and has recently released a compilation featuring some of Canada's best heavy/speed metal bands. To celebrate both the release and the bands that have contributed to this comp, there even going to a short "Trapped Under Ice" tour in April, taking in four dates across Canada, featuring Metalian, Barrow Wight, Occult Burial, Freeways and Cauchemar, as well as special guests Chainbreaker (Toronto only). I'll post links to the shows and flyers etc below this review.

I love comps, though I don’t feature a lot on here. Trapped Under Ice Vol. 1 caught my eye though thanks to the artwork of Rob Vomitor and also the OBI-style strip on the side of the cover, featuring the band logos. I thought that was a really nice touch! It’s also a cool opportunity to check out ten bands that I’m not familiar with. Opening up the record is Traveler with Betrayer. Melodic guitars, clean falsetto vocals and a twisted take on Iron Maiden is all you need to kick this off. Obviously, there’s much to it than the aforementioned genre forefathers, as you’ll find out. Metalian brings the speed with Streets Of Fire, which is full of neck-snapping thrash and gloriously fantastical vocals. It’s very catchy, sometimes threatening to cross over into cheesy territory but always being saved from that by awesome lead guitar.

With the label’s home of Quebec being French Canadian, it would have been strange for them not to feature any bands that sing in French. Enter Cauchemar and Comme Un Poignard. They’ve nailed the true old-school sound on here and the French language vocals make it all the more authentic and it’s tempo is perfectly restrained. Mixing up the tempos again is Occult Burial who also fly the flag for speed metal on Fight For Survival. Unlike those before it, it starts of in an oddly menacing way with more of a bass-heavy sound and continues with harsh vocals, that sit somewhere between Venom and Immortal, without being true black. It’s a change that reminds you of how diverse the traditional heavy metal scene is. 

The movie sample that kicks off Starlight Ritual’s Demons only hints at the theatrical nature of the band and their music more than does the rest. The vocals sit a bit deeper in the mix on this one, allowing the galloping instrumentation to take hold. It still have bucket loads of attitude though. As the mid-point passes by, you’re greeted with the twin-guitar harmonies of Freeways and their classic hard-rock/heavy metal. Heavy Rescue is mid-paced and slightly less gung-ho than it’s predecessors here, but it’s still great for a singalong and will get buried in you head. Actually, it reminds me a lot of Queen.

From there you’re transported into the seedy underground thanks to Barrow Wight and Morgul Blade. Again, it’s on the heavier side but instead of leaning towards black metal this time, it’s got a goth/horror punk edge hiding amongst it’s dark thrash. The instrumental opening to Silent Towers by Spell, suggests there might be progression in their chops and things certainly get a bit weird at times. The vocal effects and off-kilter time signatures are at odds with some of the more straightforward metal on show here, but then again so were Voivod back in the day and they’re cult legends now, so Spell need not worry. 

As well as Spell before them, Blackrat also takes some cues from the more progressive ends of the genre, though there’s also plenty of black thrash on From The Tideless Sea. The reverb and buzzsaw guitars keep pace with the pounding drums. It’s super exhilarating. It’s left to Emblem to close things out with the aptly titled Fast Rocker, which once again is a more than solid slab of occult hard rock. It rounds out a comp that’s been full of variation and great bands. There’s more than enough here to suck you in and make you crave your fix of heavy metal madness!

You can stream and purchase "Trapped Under Ice Vol. 1" via Bandcamp below:-

Physical copies are available here - https://www.templeofmystery.ca/product-category/tom/

The flyer for the up-coming "Trapped Under Ice" tour is below too:-

Temple Of Mystery - https://www.facebook.com/templeofmysteryrecs

Tytus - Rain After Drought

Labels: Fighter Records

Formats: CD/Digital

Release Date: 08 Jan 2019

Tracklist:

1. Disobey

2. The Invisible

3. The Storm That Kill Us All

4. Our Time Is Now

5. The Dark Wave

6. Death Throes

7. Rain After Drought - Pt.1

8. Rain After Drought - Pt.2

9. Move On Over

10. A Desolate Shell Of A Man

The likes of Khemmis and Haunt have been taking metal in a more traditional direction over the last twelve months; however, they're not the only ones. Europe has it's fair share of traditional heavy metal bands too and one label that's doing their bit to bring these bands to the forefront of people's attention is Spanish label Fighter Records. An imprint of Xtreme Music, Fighter has been working tirelessly since 2017 to do unearth stellar heavy metal bands from their homeland and from further afield, like Italy's Tytus. Tytus are now in their fifth year and having already released a 7" and an album (debut "Rises, released in 2016 via Sliptrick Records), they've now returned with their second album and first for their new label. The press blurb talks about the band being influenced by heavy metal greats including Iron Maiden, Metallica and early-Megadeth. Let's see...

Tytus certainly have been paying attention to their heavy metal forefathers on “Rain After Drought”. Opener Disobey is melodic, majestic and clean sounding. There’s a lot of thrash-like percussive tempos and guitar work that go alongside the twin-melodies and solos. the vocals are also clean, though not too the point of being power metal in style. At times their music brings to mind Death Angel, which is no bad thing. They continue with the up-tempo gallop of The Invisible, which is an outstanding all-round metal song. It certainly seems more focused than the album opener, but not all bands hit their stride straight away. This bodes well for the rest of the record. 

Tytus’s song-writing is more off-kilter on The Storm That Kill Us All, especially in the verses though these make the chorus sections even better. It’s classic in every direction and not too overweight in the playing-time department either, which seems to be a characteristic of their music. It’s over before you know it and is followed immediately by Our Time Is Now. The band’s full-scale attack keeps on coming and with it, more awesome solos and sing-along opportunities. The Dark Wave blurs the lines between heavy metal and punk in subtle ways. The tempos are there and so is the melody (I feel like I’ve been banging on about both of these too much already here). I guess there’s more of a hard rock slant to it. It’s still brilliant.

Old-school thrash elements are the bedrock of Death Throes, which is a meaty song filled with yet more classy riffs. I don’t really know what else to say. By the time you reach this point on the record, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting with Tytus and will no doubt be hooked. If not, you’ve got no soul. Next up is the two-parter, starting with Rain After Drought - pt.1, which is the band’s longest song here and what you get is an instrumental piece that shows a different side to Tytus. There’s an obvious not to the progressive nature of many of their countrymen and women, as Italy is known for it’s theatrical and experimental bands. This is a bit a journey but in a good way.

Rain After Drought - pt.2 is an altogether more bluesy number with superb clean singing. There’s a classic rock/ballad feel to it, which is definitely nostalgic. It’s followed immediately by the furious and urgent Move On Over, that gets the heart racing a bit more. As does album closer A Desolate Shell Of A Man. Tytus has shown that there’s still room for good old heavy metal in 2019 and the genre that was built stronger by Metallica, Megadeth and Iron Maiden is well and truly in safe hands.

You can stream and grab "Rain After Drought" for super cheap digitally below:-

Physical CD copies are available here - http://shop.xtreemmusic.com/

Tytus - https://www.facebook.com/TYTUSBAND/

Fighter Records - https://www.facebook.com/fighter.records/

Necroslurg - Kuolonkierre

Labels: Ramekuukkeli-Levyt

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 01 Jun 2018

Tracklist:

1. Vakaa Tila

2. Vieraat Aanet

3. Kuolonkierre

4. Musta

5, Tuho, Ei Tuomio

6. Ajojahti

7. Kauhun Pyorteissa

8. Ekranoplan

9. Metsanpeittoon

10. Hyvaksy Kohtalosi

I felt it was time to re-visit the wonderful tones of Finnish heavy music again and found this nestling in my review pile. It's been a little while since Tuukka (Ramekuukkeli-Levyt) sent me this tape, so apologies to go out to him for the delay in posting this write-up. Necroslurg is a "heavy punk metal" trio from Helsinki and "Kuolonkierre" is their second album.They've been plying their trade for about two years now and releases their first album "Haudantaka" just over twelve months before this one. They recently played Svart Festival in the Finnish capital alongside the might Foreseen.

Necroslurg’s music is delivered with true Scandinavian ferocity and the vocals are entirely in their mother-tongue. Vakaa Tila is an angry opener that flows between up-tempo punk and groove-laden rock.It’s all about the riffs on Kuolonkierre, as Vieraat Aanet proves. They are at home alongside the frenzied screams that’s for sure, while the drums keep a restrained yer accurate beat behind. The other cool thing about Necroslurg’s sound and approach is that they play fast and leave no room for pondering. Kuolonkierre is filled to the brim with punk attitude, though it also does a good line is stoner doom fury too. So far this trio is living up to Finland’s reputation for producing great experimental bands.

They’re band to their raucous best on Musta, which shoots from the hip with it’s noise rock blueprint and blink-and-you’ll-miss-it running time. Thankfully, they slow things down on the sludgy Tuho, Ei Tuomio, which proves again that they can switch the mood effortlessly. Channelling the cold darkness that envelopes the country during Winter, they produce probably the heaviest song on the album. The shoutiness continues unabated on Ajojahti, which feature plenty of awesome musicianship as well. The volume levels that this trio reach are pretty incredible. The latter half of the album retains the same level of variation as the first and Kauhun Pyorteissa is a stomping noise rock song with more crisp lead work.

Not sticking to one formula or blueprint gives them an edge and Ekranoplan is subtly stripped down and minimalist to begin with, though it’s still layered with the kind of riffs and percussive atmosphere that makes you think of Black Sabbath and the like. The loud pedal is pressed to the floor again during penultimate song Metsanpeittoon, as Necroslurg force you to pump your fist and bang you head in joyous unison. Album closer Hyvaksy Kohtalosi is gives you one last opportunity to raise glass to this Finnish powerhouse in the making. Necroslurg are great and this album is well worth checking out and getting on tape.

If you can stomach the ads n between songs, you can stream "Kuolonkierre" in full via Necroslurg's Soundcloud page below:-

Tapes can be purchased here - http://ramekuukkeli.nettisivu.org

Necroslurg - https://www.facebook.com/Necroslurg/

Ramekuukkeli-Levyt - https://www.facebook.com/Rämekuukkeli-levyt