Last year, the German legends Kreator set the thrash standard for 2009. In 2010, we’re getting schooled by those Jersey devils, Overkill. But not only is ‘Ironbound’ a more consistent album than ‘Hordes of Chaos’, it’s one of their best yet. Credit is certainly due in part to producer Peter Tägtgren (Hypocrisy/Pain), and they’re thankfully backed by stronger labels now. Overkill now enters a dominant new phase of their storied career.

Matt Pike is a metal god amongst mortals (all bias aside, as a fellow Matt that consumes the same substances). As important as Sleep ever was, the staggering intensity of High On Fire is now at its most potent.

Throwdown- Deathless released November 10,2009 on E1 Entertainment Throwdown is a metalcore band that has roots in the Orange County, CA hardcore scene. This is their eight full-length album and first on E1 Entertainment. They are well known for their straight-edge stance on life and it shows in their lyrics and overall attitude. Some of their influences include Black Flag, Sepultura, Machine Head and Pantera. Tracks 2 and 3 start off with a time signature that includes thrashing drums, double bass and a breakdown. This time signature repeats throughout both songs. Formulaic but it works. Track 4 has an [...read more]

Hatebreed- “Hatebreed” released September 24th, 2009 on E1 Entertainment Hatebreed returns with their fifth studio album that aims to showcase their hardcore and metal crossover talents. This CD is a clean version and there are many songs to choose from. “Between Hell And A Heartbeat” showcases a slow, sludgy hardcore feel at first that later picks up in the middle with a thrash feel, ala Slayer or Motorhead and it sustains this pace.  Drums are loud and hard-hitting here. “No Halos For The Heartless” has a similar feel but seems to show their effort to embrace the metal side. [...read more]

Kittie – In The Black released Sept 15, 2009 on E1 Entertainment You ask people to name one all-female metal group that’s still in existence, and those that don’t first hark back to Drain STH or any various riot grrl acts of the 1990s will default to Kittie. This is the issue most take up with the band: they have a lot to answer for amidst post-milennial estrogenicidal metal. Let’s get this out of the way: In the Black is Kittie’s best album to date. Of course, you have to remember that we’re judging by Kittie standards here, so [...read more]