Varg – Blutaar (NoiseArt Records)
Not to be confused with ‘ole Varg Vikernes (we’re probably the 800th publication to make this connection – sorry), Germany’s Varg throw their name into the Pagan/epic metal ring with the bludgeoning Blutaar. Sounding like...
Sight of Emptiness – Absolution of Humanity (Self-Released)
Quite the pedigree behind these unsigned Costa Rican melodic death metallers. Winners of the 2007 Bloodstock Open Air contest and the mastering services of in-demand producer Jens Borgen, the band certainly has the wares...
Icarus Witch – Draw Down the Moon (Cleopatra Records)
The new wave of traditional metal revival may have begun in Europe, but I believe there are a slew of American acts worthy of your attention and hard-earned cash. Pennsylvania’s Icarus Witch through a series...
Destinity – XI Reasons To See (Lifeforce Records)
Once oh-so-close to entering the upper-echelon of Euro thrash, Sweden’s Destinity have taken an odd step to the side on XI Reasons To See. Many have derided the band for its Hypocrisy-laden sound, something this...
Alcest – Écailles de Lune (Prophecy Productions)
High on the “most anticipated” list for this scribe and several others who were awestruck by the majesty that was 2007’s Souvenirs d'un autre monde, Alcest’s newest Écailles de Lune arrives with a new-found set of expectations, ones that...
Mortemia – Misere Mortem (Napalm Records)
Just about a year ago we reviewed Sirenia’s The 13th Floor release. Its bubblegum Goth metal quickly won this scribe over, then vanquished, like any good quick-and-easy form of music should. We only mention this because...
Holy Grail – Improper Burial EP (HG Records)
First it was the retro thrash wave, now it’s the retro, retro metal wave. You gotta love metal: it just keeps on aping itself. When the talent pool is so diluted and the number...
Hunter’s Moon – The Serpent’s Lust EP (Hell’s Headbangers)
Classic, grim death metal from Down Under, Hunter’s Moon were discovered via a demo tape by the fledgling Hell’s Headbangers. Yeah, a demo tape. Who knew those things were still in existence? Very black metal....
Helloween – Unarmed: Best of 25th Anniversary (The End Records/Sony)
Ever the risk-takers (who can forget the ill-advised Pink Bubbles Go Apeand Chameleon albums?), Helloween, in celebration of their 25th year of existence have re-worked 11 songs from their celebrated career. Such a milestone would usually call for a...
Kongh – Shadows of the Shapeless (Seventh Rule Recordings)
Very much in line with the bulk of the distortion-happy Seventh Rule roster (Black Cobra, Wetnurse, Millions, etc.), Sweden’s Kongh play it by the book on this five song offering, Shadows of the Shapeless. Taking cues from...