★★☆☆ Holy fuck, is this folksy. With most other bands, folk metal tips over too easily into awkward caricature. But somehow, not only do Equilibrium avoid this trap, but their unflinching commitment helps them create an authenticly uplifting headbanging experience. At its best, “Erdentempel” sounds like Týr as performed by DragonForce. See the rest here
★★☆☆ This EP is not unlike taking a quick regional flight: you spend so much of your time getting to cruising altitude, that once you’re there it’s time to start your initial descent. The material here is good and lush and well-done, of course, but Cloudkicker music needs time and space to unfold into its ultimate form, and that means that there’s actually not a whole lot here. See the rest here
★★☆☆ This sure is an impressive half-hour of Gorguts-style technodeath, with PTH-style production. Inventive, impossible to predict, and listen to that fretless bass! But it’s impossible to shake the feeling that the entire record is just being played at 1.5x speed, and that gets distracting after a while. That’s nowhere more apparent than with the drums, which most definitely sound like you just blew out your right tire while driving 70mph down the highway. See the rest here
★★☆☆ This is pretty good for what it is, which is Scottish black metal that sounds an awful lot like Godspeed You Black Emperor. That said, you’re pretty much along for the ride with this album, and as soon as it’s done, none of it sticks with you whatsoever. Also, “atmospheric” does not have to mean “awash in reverb.” See the rest here
★★☆☆ Given that this is from the guys who brought you Municipal Waste and Darkest Hour, this album is surprisingly (and unapologetically) punk. And for the most part, it really works. This album may not sound like it at first blush, but it’s got more in common with S.O.D. than with Rancid (or with Darkest Hour, for that matter). See the rest here
★★☆☆ The various sounds on this album belie the split personality of Ghost Brigade, who are now borrowing as from Alice In Chains and Queensrÿche as they do from Katatonia and Soilwork. After the energetic opening track, what follows is a long progression of downtempo anthems. There are some compelling tracks (“Stone and Pillars” is a fantastic example), but the majority of the material here is hard to feel strongly about either way. See the rest here
★★☆☆ This is a weird combination of drone metal, shoegazer, and Metallica’s “Lulu.” See the rest here
★★☆☆ For the pedigree that comes along with this supergroup (Opeth, Katatonia), the resulting album is surprisingly so-so. It’s a perfect and credible fusion of Entombed, Morbid Angel, and a smattering of other classic deathgrind acts. And you’ll nod your head throughout your listening experience. Just don’t be surprised if you feel like you’ve heard this before. See the rest here
★★☆☆ The second EP from this by-the-numbers blackened death group is good for what it is: a lovingly but self-consciously faithful homage to Dimmu and Behemoth. As such, the album is a faithful facsimile, but not a terribly moving one. See the rest here
★★☆☆ Oh, here we go. Do yourself a favor and turn the volume way down for the first two unfuckinglistenable minutes of this half of OMG’s double album. Pandemonium holds dominion over this recording. What music is allowed to take root here is reminiscent of “NO,” but these moments exist only as a reprieve from a lurking cacophony. See the rest here
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