May 2024 – Page 3 – Metal Eclipse Reviews

Nocturnus AD – Unicursal

Sitting on the throne, pondering how humanity has chosen to discard its waste into the very liquid that sustains it, I came to the profound realization that “space” Metal isn’t just a current trend; it has been hot since the 80s (you know, the era of terrible CGI and unmatched arms races). Nocturnus AD is simultaneously new and old. Those of you well-versed in The Culture will recall The Key, released under its previous band name. For those of you who are still tax-fed teenagers, you may recognize them from Paradox. But enough dwelling on the past; let’s delve into Unicursal and see what it has to offer.

Retro-Review: Primitive Man – Scorn

Welcome to Retro-Reviews, a space where I indulge in my own nostalgic reveries, reminiscing about a time that never truly existed, but one that I’ve crafted through various random albums that hold significance for me. Whether good or bad, one thing is certain: remembering can be a bittersweet journey.

LanzerRath / Shroud of Despondency- Split

Today, we’re going to be talking a lot about space. I can’t recall when in my life this happened, but now every sub-genre of Metal needs to have a handful of bands that explore space from all sorts of directions. So, what better way to celebrate our obsession with this nerdy subject than by reviewing LanzerRath / Shroud of Despondency‘s latest Split? It almost escaped me, but I managed to catch the promo before it withered away in my email box. So, shall we?

Cutterred Flesh – Love at First Bite

When you take a look at Cuttered Flesh‘s Love at First Bite cover art, you might be thinking that this is going to sound like the typical music that makes your grandma sigh in disappointment, wondering how kids these days are so damaged and rotten, how there’s no innocence anymore! That’s said by my grandma, who smoked two packs at 12 years old and was married away because the family couldn’t afford so many mouths to feed. Either way, Love at First Bite does come all the way from Karlovy Vary to take some heads, but is there more than just bone-crushing riffs here? Let’s see!

Aquilus – Bellum II

You might be wondering why I’m writing a review for Aquilus‘s newest release, Bellum II, at this late stage. It’s not typical behavior for the catto. But you see, forming an opinion about Bellum II isn’t as straightforward as just listening to it once. There are layers to this mammoth of an album. My real question was whether it could even hold a candle to Griseus, the subgenre standard. Let’s find out!

Elvellon – Ascending in Synergy

As we grow older, it becomes harder and harder to leave our comfort zone; our melting brains become less open to new experiences. It’s not just my opinion; it’s what science says. In Ascending in Synergy, Elvellon offers me the opportunity to defy my cognitive decay and totally break out of that comfort zone made out of incomprehensible gargling and dissonant riffs. It can’t get more Power/Symphonic than Elvellon, but we’ll see how it holds up.

Ceremony of Silence – Hálios

Slovakian Metal might seem alien to you, just as it would to me if I hadn’t visited Slovakia. There isn’t much to say about the country—great food, impressive castles, but the customer service can be terrible. This deadly combination almost begs for the creation of interesting heavy music. So, you might wonder if I’m writing this review in advance to gain a competitive edge. Well, yes and no. Ceremony of Silence is my kind of band, and just a glimpse of the cover art of Hálios makes me salivate more than free food at a boring conference.

Retro-Review: Aborted – The Necrotic Manifesto

Trails of Anguish – Scathed Gaping Misery

What were you thinking about a few hours ago? Maybe, like me, you found yourself pondering how things might have unfolded differently if you hadn’t eaten that extra meal, or if you had managed to squeeze in an extra hour of sleep. Were you, perhaps, reflecting on your life choices? Because, with the imminent release of Trails of Anguish‘s new album, Scathed Gaping Misery, it seems to vividly capture the essence of things that could have been, but never quite materialized.

The Last of Lucy – Godform

You’ve lost count of your therapy sessions. Nothing seems to ease your anger issues. You’re on the brink of snapping at that coworker who cracks fart jokes all day. Well, let me tell you, I might not have any constructive solutions for you, but maybe The Last of Lucy does. This band has been delivering potent doses of compressed violence for years now. Moksha was definitely a step in the right direction, but does Godform continue this brutal onslaught?