★★☆☆ This album is confusing, like a mashup between Textures, early Devin Townsend, and Scar Symmetry (with a smidge of Opeth thrown in for good measure). It’s proggy as the day is long, and a pleasantly unusual ride. Unfortunately, I can’t say that any of it is particularly memorable. See the rest here
★★☆☆ This is some choice noise, with hints of Sick Of It All, SOD, and Fantômas. The latter is probably why this album of 2-minute songs still manages to feel a little overlong, however. See the rest here
★★☆☆ Slightly more palatable and melodic black sludge that goes down smooth. And while it does suffer from the monochromaticism typical of the genre, it does also offer interesting sound choices (and is blessedly not overlong). See the rest here
★★☆☆ Jazzier than your usual grindcore fare, but just as typical in its brevity, this 22-minute EP is a fun enough hit-and-run that you’ll nevertheless have a hard time remembering past the first few tracks. See the rest here
★★☆☆ This album has some truly great moments, surrounded by truly unremarkable stretches. The Ahnold schtick has never sounded more tired, but the unavoidable skits are quickly forgotten in the face of all the different shredz. And yet, never has 46 minutes felt so long. Triple Brutal is worth a listen, if you are man enough to make it all the way through. See the rest here
★★☆☆ This is very interesting and enjoyable. This is also about as hardcore as Mahavishnu Orchestra. It actually sounds a lot like UK in places. So I give it enthusiastic praise for modern jazz fusion, but it’s a complete waste from a metal perspective. See the rest here
★★☆☆ This sophomore album from Epica-by-another-name is chock full of the hallmarks of any good symphonic death metal recording: lush arrangements, over the top drama, and quietly excellent guitarwork. However, this album has a bit of an identity crisis on its hands, at times evoking Soilwork, Ludovico Einaudi, and prog rock. See the rest here
★★☆☆ It’s hard to care about this thrash-meets-hardcore album. Oh, it’s meaty and metallic enough, but it’s also a bit unconvincing. Take half a listen and tell me if you disagree. See the rest here
★★☆☆ There’s some decent shredding going on here, but there’s also an embarrassing datedness to the album, from its lyrics and Eastern-bloc vocals, to its lazy thrashy meanderings. And then there are the drums. The drums are often really shockingly sloppy in passages on virtually every track on the album (especially the double-pedal work). See the rest here
★★☆☆ What I really like about these hardcore veterans is that they’ve peppered this album with interesting and atypical riffs. What I really dislike about them is that those interesting riffs are just plugged into the same old tired song format. Also, the vocals are 100% screamed at 100% intensity without rest. See the rest here
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