Album Reviews
Voidthrone - Dreaming Rat: 3
Dissonant Blackened Death Metal quartet, Voidthrone, returns with Dreaming Rat, their most unhinged and trenchant record yet!
Structured as a three-part cosmic death ritual, Dreaming Rat follows a triptych of parallel arcs: a solar system burning through its lifespan, a civilization collapsing under its own complexity, and a parasite replicating itself across language, culture, and flesh. The band trades some of the prior atmospheric murk for a more immediate, frenetic mix—closer, sharper, and meaner.
Vocalist Zhenya Frolov delivers his most insane performance yet, retching through death-metal lows, black-metal shrieks, and ritualistic howls as the album spirals toward extinction. The listener is invited to drift calmly and unflinching through the maelstrom, like the dreaming rat on the album’s cover.
Unverkalt – Héréditaire: 3
The third album from German/Greek post-metal band Unverkalt, titled Héréditaire, requires careful listening to appreciate its depth. The album features layered contrasts and haunting moods, creating a cerebral experience that rewards multiple listens. The music feels moody and eerie, with a sense of mystique. Songs contain a spiritual essence, occasionally venturing into darker tones, as seen in tracks like “Ænæ Lithi,” which grow from melancholic to intense.
The album oscillates between serene and violent moments, exemplified by the opener “Die Auslöschung,” where gentle vocals lead into aggressive growls and blast beats. This dynamic interplay enhances the listening experience. Although often gloomy, there are inviting elements, including the Bjork-like atmosphere of “Death is Forever. ” Overall, Héréditaire stands out for its emotional range and masterful execution, prompting listeners to reflect and return for more
Carrion Vael: Slay Utterly: 3
In their fifth album, "Slay Utterly," the band members Travis Lawson Purcell, Alex Arford, Trenton Limburg, Ryan Kurder, and Matt Behner continue their partnership with Unique Leader Records. The album features strong tracks, starting with "19(fucking)78," which showcases a mix of complex melodies, intense riffs, and catchy moments. "Truth or Consequences" begins calmly with Flamenco influences and then shifts to powerful rhythms and contrasting vocal styles. "1912" includes elements of Symphonic Death Metal and Deathcore, while "30 on 9" alternates between fast and slow sections. "40 Echoes Upon the Parlor" highlights the vocalist's range with various techniques. "Lord of 74" builds intensity, blending calm vocals and explosive energy. "Bisection 47" incorporates keyboards and dark clean vocals, and "Black Chariot" features sharp riffs and roars. Overall, the album impresses with its mix of influences and powerful sound.
Architectural Genocide: Malignant Condition: 3
Houston's Architectural Genocide has released their second album, Malignant Cognition, five years after their debut, Cordyceptic Anthropomorph. This new album is even darker and more intense, adding a terrifying quality to their already brutal sound. It begins with 'Precursor To Bloodshed', which sets a tone of hidden violence, leading into 'Coercion Into Carnality', a track that pulls listeners into a world of horror and madness with its unpredictable shifts.
The relentless aggression continues through tracks like 'Trophies For My Murders', which combines slow tension with savage attacks, and 'Zed Requiem', which tortures with its lack of empathy. The climax is found in 'Stuffed Under Floorboards', showcasing a mix of chilling atmosphere and powerful riffs. The album features artwork by Rudi Yanto and Den Yudi, perfectly capturing its dark essence. Malignant Cognition will be released by Comatose Music on January 16th, and it has been mixed and mastered for maximum effect, promising a brutal start to the New Year in the death metal scene.
IATT – Etheric Realms of the Night: 2
IATT, formerly known as I Am The Trireme, has released their third full-length album titled "Etheric Realms of the Night. " The band, signed to Black Lion Records, is difficult to label but can be described as progressive. Their music mixes elements of progressive, melodic, blackened, and death metal. The album has created significant anticipation.
The band features strong connections to black metal, with guitarist Joe's background in former projects. The music blends intense acoustics, harsh yet powerful vocals from Jay, and dynamic instrumental sections, including jazz influences. The album involves contributions from session musicians, notably Didier on flute and an uncredited pianist, adding depth and uniqueness to the sound. Overall, "Etheric Realms of the Night" is a solid album.
Necronomicon Ex MortisZombie Blood Nightmare: 4
Necronomicon Ex Mortis has released a new EP titled Zombie Blood Nightmare, marking their fifth project. The current band lineup includes Yusuf A. Rashid (bass), Joey Ferretti (drums), Manuel Barbara (guitar), Michael Bala (guitar), and John Sawicki (vocals).
The EP opens with "Left To Die," which features strong Old School influences and an energetic rhythm that gets listeners headbanging. The song's tempo changes enhance the overall experience. In "No More Room In Hell," the band picks up the pace with thrash influences, creating a lively sound and a powerful solo moment. This is followed by "Chopped Up And Burned," which starts with a scream and progresses into a heavy rhythm, incorporating technical guitar elements and slam influences before returning to a catchy, straightforward style.
Tracks like "Lumbering" and "Blood Sucking Freaks" reflect a classic 80s and 90s death metal vibe. "Hungry for Brains" maintains the band's death metal roots with polished harmonics and horror themes. The EP concludes with "Démoni," which offers a mix of brutal sound with lighter guitar touches. Despite being a relatively new band, Necronomicon Ex Mortis shows a strong connection to the Old School Death Metal scene with this release, demonstrating both quality and quantity
Rating Scale
4 = Excellent
3 = Good
2 = Fair
1 = Poor
Beyond The Black: Break The Silence: 2
Beyond the Black returns with their album Break the Silence, three years after their self-titled fifth album. This new work combines electronic influences with their established symphonic sound, creating a unique blend. The album focuses on themes of communication and includes several languages across different tracks, offering something special.
The band shows more confidence in exploring new styles compared to their previous album, Horizons. Listening to the full album highlights the group's efforts in merging various elements. Opening with "Rising High," the album features multiple languages, catchy segments, and powerful vocals from Jennifer Haben. The title track follows, showcasing a modern edge mixed with symphonic elements and big choruses.
Standout moments include "The Art of Being Alone," featuring a duet with Chris Harms, and "Let There Be Rain," which incorporates The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices, creating a remarkably catchy chorus. "The Flood" dives into electronic sounds with dance-worthy energy, while "Can You Hear Me" features guest vocals from Asami of Lovebites, adding depth to the sound.
The album closes with "Weltschmerz," a reflective ballad that showcases Haben's stunning vocals. Overall, Break the Silence is a strong entry in symphonic/modern metal and sets a high standard for the year ahead with its energetic melodies and powerful message.
Omnium Gatherum: May the Bridges We Burn Light the Way: 3
After nearly 30 years in melodic death metal, Finnish band OMNIUM GATHERUM releases their tenth album, "May the Bridges We Burn Light the Way". Formed in 1996, they blend heavy metal, Gothenburg-style melodic death, and progressive elements, earning the nickname “Adult-Oriented Death Metal”.
The album showcases founding guitarist Markus Vanhala’s vision, highlighting ice-carved riffs, blazing solos, dynamic rhythms, creative keyboard use, and powerful vocals. Vanhala describes the process as challenging, especially during the pandemic, but it led to a moment of rediscovery for the band.
The lead single, “The Last Hero,” delivers a strong message of resilience. The album's title was inspired by a phrase seen on a stranger’s hoodie in a Chinese airport, resonating with the band’s journey. The album explores themes of dreams, addiction, and urban chaos, with tracks like “Walking Ghost Phase” and “Ignite the Flame”.
The recording took place in various Finnish studios, including industrial locations. Vocals were produced in Sweden by Björn 'Speed' Strid of Soilwork, enhancing the album's sound. Mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren and Tony Lindgren, the album runs just under 45 minutes, offering continuous energy. This is a furious ride for the Death Metal afficionado.