Rating : 3.5/5

Raise your pints to “That Famous Ol’ Spiced”! What would Alestorm be without their classic pirate-esque drinking songs?

Rating : 4.5/5

It goes without saying that shoegaze black metal is a miniscule sub-genre, and it can also be assumed that Neige, the artist behind Alcest, stands in the foreground of this sub-genre.

Rating : 4.5/5

Maiestrit is not a typical rehash of an early album. It takes something that was old and unnoticed and gives it the attention it deserves.

Rating : 3.5/5

“Universal” is the latest and greatest in progressive metal and an epic failure in Black Metal.

If you have enjoyed how Darkthrone has adapted their sound to incorporate crust punk into their stripped-down black metal, with shades of Motörhead, classic thrash, and even a dash of Sabbath, then you are probably already shotgunning beers over an open flame with this music blaring into the mountain woods.

Rating: 4/5

Barren Earth is an impressive new Finnish sextet supergroup that first intrigued the world with their 2009 debut EP “Our Twilight”. The band took a couple of years to fully form, and have now solidified into a progressive death metal juggernaut.

I wanted to like this album more. I wanted to get behind it, tell you all to blast it from the rooftops, and rejoice in the rebirth of a remarkable band. La Raza is worth a once-through to see what piques your interest, but don’t be surprised when the yawns set in.

Rating : 4 / 5

Throughout their thirteen year existence, The Dillinger Escape Plan has challenged heavy music audiences with their archetypal avant-garde execution. On their fourth full-length, the New Jersey quintet continues their divisive evolution, which now finds the band giant steps beyond their origins. While many detractors have abandoned modern DEP in favor of their 90s output, I feel more compelled to follow them than ever before.

Rating : 4 / 5

As a unit, they radiate an aura of authenticity, if for no other reason than their steadfast adherence to traditional folk instruments (albeit amidst Gothenburg thrash). Nothing is synthesized, from the violin and hurdy-gurdy to a wide variety of flutes, pipes, and whistles; the band crafts songs with both depth and dynamism. Where so many similar bands feel forced, Eluveitie channels a naturally flowing energy into their powerful music.

Lamb of God – “Wrath” released February 24, 2009 by Epic Records Eyebrows raise when bands like LoG debut at #2 on Billboard and push 68k units in its first week. Have they toned things down, cushioned their delivery? The opening instrumental red herring is a sly jab in the ribs to skeptics and fans alike (6 & 11 have mellow beginnings as well). Pantera’s heir apparents walk the same path as their forebears, amplifying aggression while never losing grasp of visceral grooves. Randy Blythe’s vocals are as acerbic as ever, but he exercises control and explores a wider [...read more]