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April 25th, 2024 Features

Dialith – An Altered Transformation

…sta Sion: The series of EPs we decided on because Extinction Six was a really ambitious album, especially for a band that has no label backing, financing it all ourselves. We decided we wanted to keep the quality of work, but just to make it more feasible we did a series of EPs that will culminate in one full album at the end. This particular EP (had) no surprises. At this point we’ve been in the studio for three previous releases, so we kind of k…

April 23rd, 2024 Features

Venues – Modern Evolution

…take to the studio. So when I hear other songs, that’s what catches me. Hopefully that will happen to our listeners too. But people often say that people really like how we play with my clean vocals and Robin’s harsh vocals. That’s a difference, and it’s super cool in the relationship between our vocals. It’s something that not too many bands have nowadays. We try to keep them as cool as possible. Baumann: And hopefully, also the lyrics. We get a…

April 21st, 2024 Features

Accept – Musical Outlaws

…ns. You are always going to make some decision that will turn out bad – hopefully you learn from those. One thing I could say, I’ve never regretted much in my life, because when you make a decision and at the time it seems to be the right one, you go with it. And five months later or five years later, you find out it didn’t turn out so well, to question everything is the wrong approach for me. You put it off as life experience and move on, so you…

April 18th, 2024 Features

Ravage – Beware of the Spider

…wait to see if there is a demand for the CD version, or a tape version. Hopefully putting together some semi-local album release party show. We had some things going, but they fell apart. We had a possible tour, and that fell apart. Maybe in the summer, play some shows. We have a punk band, my brother Eli plays guitar, my older brother Aaron, and I play drums in called Ruffian Dick (laughs). We released our debut album; it has a different vibe but…

April 17th, 2024 Reviews

A Neverending John’s Dream – Coming Back to Paradise (Pride & Joy Music)

…Drawing from experiences of the human condition, music, and nature for the lyrics, the music also has that interesting balance between bright guitars and a bevy of keyboard tones that compliment the softer, alluring vocal approach Joan employs. David gets ample opportunity to flex his axe skills, especially in the lead sections of “Equilibrium” and “Save Me From Myself” where you can tell he pulls from a bevy of classic hard rock/metal guitar maes…

April 16th, 2024 Features

Suldusk – Pushing Through Musical Boundaries

…ancholy. Is this a deliberate dynamic you try to achieve? Highfield: Yes, definitely. For me, when you get into music, the most special moments are when I am the only one listening to it; I’m the only one with the artist. I’m having my own personal experience. Being able to feel or evoke something that is indescribable, I’m trying to use words but it’s an experience. I think that the best music has done that for me. I don’t consciously bring someo…

April 15th, 2024 Reviews

Loch Vostok – Opus Ferox II -Mark of the Beast (ViciSolum Productions)

…King’s X molding in this treasure trove tenacity that moves people physically, emotionally, intellectually. Another point in the band’s favor is the avoidance of specific intro or interlude pieces that could extend the proceedings. First track “Distant Assistance” unleashes a progressive guitar, bass, and drum barrage not unlike Meshuggah meets Fear Factory/ Strapping Young Lad before the rollercoaster unfurls, 48 minutes or so later intense in it…

April 12th, 2024 Reviews

Ghost Kill – Ghost Kill (Self-Released)

…eciate. That atmospheric yet heavy, headbang-friendly sound that doesn’t rely solely on the vocals to sell the material (even if they likely could). Ghost Kill are onto some potential with their first eponymous EP offering. While there’s only four songs on Ghost Kill, it’s a case of quality over quantity. It gives Ghost Kill plenty of time to showcase what their sound is all about as well. Opener “Heartbreak” has that djent-y/modern groove with pl…

April 12th, 2024 Reviews

Ingested – The Tide of Death and Fractured Dreams (Metal Blade)

…ther into the album you go. So that injection of some melodic vocals add a bit to that track. Unfortunately, the one faltering moment is that of instrumental “Numinous.” While the point to diversity is good in theory, it’s a bit of a shift here and just feels kind of ‘there,’ in that it’s not particularly interesting as it meanders through some proggy instrumental melodies and minimal heaviness. Thankfully the follow-up “In Nothingness,” is likely…

April 11th, 2024 Features

Leaves’ Eyes – Of Myths and Legends

…it for what it is. It’s not a big part of my life in that sense. I could definitely be happy without it [laughs]. I think it’s a great way to stay in touch with the fans, so I don’t have too much negative to say about it. Dead Rhetoric: What do you feel your proudest moment is, as a musician? Siirala: Wow, that’s a tricky one. It really depends on how you look at it. One of the proudest moments was when we released our first album with Angel Nati…

April 9th, 2024 Features

Disbelief – War of the Mind

…and dedicate this to all the families that this happens to, for them to hopefully be able to gain a little more power. Dead Rhetoric: How did the Killing Joke cover for “Millenium” come about on the new record? What would you consider the most enjoyable tracks to cover in your catalog? Jäger: This is the third time that we have covered a song for Killing Joke. The first was “Democracy” and “Love Like Blood”, and now we have done “Millenium”. I thi…

April 8th, 2024 Reviews

Extinct – Incitement of Violence (MDD Records)

…dequate but occasionally kick-dominant compared to the other tones – probably something for Extinct to temper a little bit on the next record. It’s been eleven years between albums for the group (although the three-song Downward Spiral EP hit the streets in 2021), and for Extinct it seems like all ships sail to port in a similar, competent thrash manner for Incitement of Violence. An ideal record for those who love neck whipping riffs, Gus Chamber…

April 7th, 2024 Features

Týr – Prepare for the Next Battle

…a, Japan, and of course touring in the usual areas, Europe, North America, South America. We still haven’t played Africa, and that is on our bucket list. Making better and better music is a constant and ever-growing goal. Hopefully this album people will think it’s a bit better, and then the next one will be better again. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cU9SdK6v9w4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuirrWbZDM8 Týr official website Týr on Facebook…

April 5th, 2024 Reviews

Avralize – Freaks (Arising Empire)

…ntriguing, and cohesive sound that manages to pull everything from incredibly heavy to gloriously catchy, all while keeping a vibe that feels more like an engaging party than a stale bout of anger. Electronic infusions, djent-y progressive noodling, soaring melodies, deathcore-inspired breakdowns, it’s only a portion of what Avralize bring to the table. While the surface level of their music might indicate more of a fun, almost party atmosphere (s…

April 4th, 2024 Features

Vicinity – Passengers in Life

…e entire album and some older songs as well; it will be an undertaking. Hopefully we will get some more gigs down the line. I don’t have any other projects musically. Erling the vocalist, he has one project where he sings and one where he plays the guitar: that’s Articulus and Endolith. Pierre: I have a couple of friends where we do something on the side, it’s a bit heavier but it’s kind of a trial project. I do some studio work for the fun of it…

April 1st, 2024 Reviews

Dialith – Alter (Self-Released)

…ific riff to tempo interplay that allows the vocals of Krista Sion to equally shift between semi-operatic to folk/symphonic textures, the instrumental sections doing a bit of a Skyclad/Nightwish meets Maiden-esque dalliance while Alasdair Wallace Mackie’s guitar work injects heavier overtones as necessary. “Ironbound” may seem very straightforward as a power metal commercial offering – but the surprise lies in the sophisticated saxophone solo work…

March 31st, 2024 Features

Kill the Lights – Melodies of Death

…we made it clear early on that we were going to cover everything, but tastefully. Dead Rhetoric: This might actually sound a little silly after all the talk we’ve had, but do you feel there is cross-over appeal with a larger base than just metal for Kill the Lights? Clark: Absolutely. The first couple things are more radio friendly, and as you listen to the whole album, there’s a mass appeal in terms of the depth the songs all have and the highs/…

March 29th, 2024 Reviews

Catbreath – Slice ‘Em All (Iron Shield Records)

…proving these musicians know when they have to let some segments breath a bit more before the next crossover, all out assault barrels you over like a pack of wolves on the prowl. An intriguing concept that probably hasn’t been done that much before, Slice ‘Em All has the ready-made chaos captured for those who live for crossover thrash – and could put Catbreath on the map. Let the claws climb the walls, eliminate those rats, and see where things…

March 28th, 2024 Features

Resin Tomb – Inevitable Putrescence

…/dogs takes up the majority of our free time. Dead Rhetoric: This one is a bit out of left field, but I have to ask. I have an unhealthy obsession with Australian snack foods. Burger Rings, Chicken Twisties, Shapes, and especially Tim Tams. Do you have any favorite home-based snack foods, and if one of them is indeed the mighty Tim Tam, what’s your method for the famed Tim Tam Slam? Yes, I have a problem. Budge: Haha hell yeah man, Chicken Twistie…

March 26th, 2024 Features

Alterium – The Power of Fantasy

…lbum. The moment that you release the album, the songs you didn’t release before actually get a small bit of attention on the digital platforms, which is sad, but it’s reality. Things have changed a lot. Dead Rhetoric: It’s pretty disappointing for me too. I like to just sit and listen to an entire album. It bothers me a bit to listen to the music out of order. Rosellini: I agree. I like to listen to the whole album and experience it. Nowadays, I…

March 25th, 2024 Reviews

Thornbridge – Daydream Illusion (Massacre Records)

…ightly faster variety, these musicians also excel at when to place the timely, emotionally/theatrically-driven power ballad. That’s where “Send Me a Light” comes in, the additional howls as well as piano/orchestration setting the stage for Jörg’s softer melody approach in the verses building up the choir-fueled chorus to a tremendous payoff. The marching power riffs create instant connectivity to the quality audience intended – most will be hard p…

March 23rd, 2024 Concert Reviews

Hulder / Devil Master / Worm / Necrofier – March 2, 2024 – The Abbey, Orlando, FL

…icular sub-genre. Also known for their intense live performances, we were definitely excited to see what these Texans would bring to this evening’s stage. Adorned by a microphone stand decorated with antlers, vocalist/guitarist/Hell’s Heroes booker extraordinaire Christian Larson steamrolled the eager audience with the speedy pace and snarling growls of “The Black Flame Burns” to set the tone into overdrive. An astute song choice to plant a firm m…

March 22nd, 2024 Reviews

Attic – Return of the Witchfinder (Ván Records)

…ptivate, with that classic meets neoclassical touch that Iron Maiden or early NWOBHM followers devour – one listen to their work in “The Baleful Baron” or the title cut attests to their killer abilities. Somber bells add mystique to the mid-tempo, neoclassical-like riff parade that keeps “Darkest Rites” top of mind, vocalist Meister Cagliostro using all facets of his delivery from terror-filled melodies to inhuman screams to match the roller coast…

March 20th, 2024 Reviews

Holler – Reborn (Scarlet Records)

…been a relevant topic since the dawn of time – filtered through Terence’s decades of life, Reborn is a thoughtful record that pushes his love for classic rock / AOR and those singer/songwriters in younger days that shaped his outlook as a musician. Holler hopefully keeps going, because even as a non-metal entity, the quality of songwriting, performances, and chemistry between the five-piece is worthy of more exploration (and more records). https:/…

March 18th, 2024 Reviews

Critical Defiance – The Search Won’t Fall… (Unspeakable Axe Records)

…pecial. That’s what you’ll get for the almost ten-minute closer “Critical Defiance” – a modest supply of tempo shifts, killer dual rhythm runs, savage vocals, and just the right amount of melodic hooks that appease those into Sadus, Dark Angel, Megadeth, and Kreator. Expanding their record to an ideal 45 minutes for vinyl sake (Dying Victims Productions handling that end of things), Critical Defiance is one of those acts that benefit from the know…

March 18th, 2024 Reviews

Inner Axis – Midnight Forces (Fastball Music)

…ecord ends on an epic note through “Blade of Glory” – the 8:23 arrangement effort throwing in a bevy of atmosphere changes, including a reflective somber organ section where background choirs enhance the lower register melodies. In the end, Inner Axis presents serviceable heavy metal that could gain modest appeal to those who desire a group that stands true to the ideals of the genre – but doubt creeps in that Midnight Forces will be more than a l…

March 17th, 2024 Features

BRAT – Welcome to Bimboviolence

…hallenge to try to write in between tours, stuff like that. Dead Rhetoric: Lyrically you often tackle psychological horror fiction-related themes – especially the work of Stephen King. What fuels the word outlook to match up so well to the furious music on display – have you always believed that heavy music and shock/horror-style themes go hand in hand? Moate: Yes, I think that’s always been a classic thing. But I also think of our lyrics as like…

March 15th, 2024 Reviews

Miehala – Sons of Alaheim (Inverse Records)

…gs. Sons of Alaheim allows Miehala to establish themselves as another newcomer worthy of investigation if you enjoy an old school form of thrash given a bit of life in some death, doom and groove textures. Hopefully the second full-length hits the streets in 2025, as it could be a barnburner. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHcQLbZTAO8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7TdqmDXs18 Miehala on Facebook…

March 14th, 2024 Features

Leather Lung – Emerging From the Ashes

…station. Any music in my childhood was coming through those deejays. That definitely started it, what got me into music. I would wear my mom’s headphones, be cutting the grass and just listening to that radio station. What got us into wanting to do it ourselves is, we started going to local hardcore and punk gigs in our area. There was a roller rink in Hudson, Massachusetts, they would have five dollar shows twice a week at times. When we first go…

March 12th, 2024 Features

Illumishade – Lighting Up A New Side

…as a band and I think we have more of a goal to go to in the future. It’s definitely changed a lot. Dead Rhetoric: Do you feel like you were a bit more experimental with this album? In terms of trying different soundscapes out. Erni: Yeah, I would totally agree with that. I think a very important part of this band is that we just want this creative output, and we aren’t thinking in these boxes too much of categorizing or putting borders on the mus…