Metalcatto
This is the section where we give brutal feedback to the underground bands and patrons that somehow still care about our opinions. Incredible, don’t you think?
The Feedback Forge: HKSPK
Trve Kvlt 20#
Vortex Sutra – Noumenon
Metalcatto
I can count on one hand the times an instrumental album has received a full review at MER Industries. It’s nothing personal. We just don’t get too many submissions of this kind, and even fewer from a promoter or label. The truth is, you customers love music where someone just shouts at you constantly. However, Vortex Sutra is a Prog Rock band that is pretty different from what we usually cover. Its album Noumenon surprised me and in a way challenged my reviewer’s habits. That’s good, right? Let’s find out.
Coffin Hunters – Cosmic Dawn
Metalcatto
We don’t cover nearly enough Prog/retro-Rock here. That’s almost an intentional decision, because historically, I feel retro-Rock has become the equivalent of Oscar-bait but for Metal reviewers—albums that are enjoyable but have no effect on the genre’s zeitgeist, yet still receive mountains of praise. Anyway, Coffin Hunters hopefully delivers something that’s interesting, nostalgic, and also creative. Cosmic Dawn‘s artwork tells you exactly what this is about, so let’s get into it right away.
Nargaroth – Apocalyptic Steel
Metalcatto
I’m no Nargaroth expert, but I can recognize an OG Black Metal band when I hear one. That said, my expectations for this kind of sound are modest at best. Apocalyptic Steel couldn’t have a more traditional name. So obviously this thing is going to be edgy, consistent, and noisy, right? My only hope is that the production sustains some level of decency, but maybe that’s asking too much in this case. Let’s find out.
Verdun- Abyssal Womb
Metalcatto
A band with a name referencing a place where millions of lives were pointlessly lost? It can’t be a relaxing one, right? Well, Verdun is exactly that: Sludge and Death Metal that creeps into you like some chronic pain you can’t shake. Even the album’s title, Abyssal Womb, prepares you for something that has to be nothing but dreadful. Because the label is Transcending Obscurity, I was expecting something incredibly technical or brutally fast, but that wasn’t exactly the case. Or well, it depends on how you see it. Let’s go.
Trve kvlt #19
Sallow Moth – Hydrophilous Brood
Metalcatto
I was under the assumption that Sallow Moth was a Prog-Death band, so when I dove into Hydrophilous Brood, I paid no attention to that album title. That clearly says this thing eats children for breakfast and puppies for lunch. However, it wasn’t exactly easy to categorize. That doesn’t mean we’re not going to try today. I’ll say one thing: you can feel the ambition this band has even before you click play. But enough talking. Let’s start.
Malebeste – Monestherou
Metalcatto
After yesterday’s dive into the most sellout of sellouts, we had to return to the most kvlt Metal out there: French Black Metal. Malebeste isn’t as weird or abstract as a lot of Black Metal from the baguette land. However, Monestherou is still a listen for the experts. It’s not going to make it easy for you noobs, but don’t worry—that’s what I’m here for. Someone has to hold the flashlight while you navigate this sewer.
Dimmu Borgir – Grand Serpent Rising
Metalcatto
Not many bands have disappointed me like Dimmu Borgir. It’s been decades since I truly enjoyed one of their albums. In fact, I was thinking of ignoring Grand Serpent Rising, but then I recalled this is a big band, and we love chasing clout around here. Anyway, let’s see if this thing is worth our time or if it’s going to be another Eonian.
Metal Eclipse Reviews 