Cole not only hits us with his Top 10, but also includes reviews of All Pigs Must Die ‘God is War’ and Textures ‘Dualism’.

Rating: 4/5
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It seems the best way to describe an album like this is “a breath of fresh air”, but considering their name and leitmotif, “a rip of milky smoke” feels more appropriate.

Rating: 5/5
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At its core, Decapitated is still a brutal, in-your-face explosion of death metal, but “Carnival is Forever” offers more—a solemn nod to the past and a fierce charge forward for the reformed group. I think Vitek would be proud of his big brother.

Rating: 2.5/5
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I hate to knock a good effort, but this is what criticism is all about. “Phoenix” might fill you up, but I want more flavor. Maybe next time Hate Eternal could consider spicing up the simmering stew instead of burning the bird in the flames.

Rating: 5/5
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With this release, Obscura distinguishes by their innate sense of immersion. “Omnivium” maintains the outer space sound from “Cosmogenesis” but has a far more intimate atmosphere.

Rating: 4.5/5
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I genuinely enjoy “To Hell with God”—it’s the kind of album that I have wanted since first hearing “Once Upon the Cross”: a more modern approach to the old days of thrashy death metal, something this genre needs right now.

Rating: 4/5
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Abysmal Dawn have produced a very good album that satisfies today’s need for straightforward death metal. If you are looking for something you can throw in a playlist with bands like Decapitated, Miseration and Decrepit Birth, “Leveling The Plane Of Existence” would be a perfect addition.

Cole checks in with his year-end best-of list, but don’t let that picture confuse you—”Snakes for the Divine” doesn’t actually show up until #7 …see what else he chose!

Check out the first interview by Cole Dougherty for MindOverMetal.org! He spoke with Patrick Pintavalle, who slings a six-string in THE ABSENCE. Read about themes throughout their new album, “Enemy Unbound”, as well as hints toward their next release, dream bands to tour with, and more!

Rating: 4/5
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The Absence have produced another great CD and definitely cemented their position at the top of the list of American Melodic Death Metal bands. Absolutely worth buying.