Suffering so you don't have to!
Metalcatto
It’s time to return to my local scene and see what the sewer’s flushing out today! Filth is exactly what you’d expect from a Swedish Death Metal band these days, and Time to Rot is also the kind of title you’d expect from a band named that way. So far, things feel a bit too familiar, right? Well, at least the cover art stands out—it’s disturbing, but also kind of beautiful. You might be wondering if the album carries that same vibe. Stay put and find out!
Ixone
As someone who routinely defrosts halfway through a thrasher during summer, what could be more up my alley than a Blackened Thrash/Speed Metal record about drinking? Absolutely nothing. Rotgut’s very suggestively titled 24 oz Cantrip EP, which reeks of hangover from the album cover alone, delivers an infectious, high-energy sound that’s perfect for a burning June day. That said, be prepared for a whirlwind of chaos.
Vicky
You’ve probably heard about Alestorm before. As a long-time fan of these pirate Metal titans, I had to listen the moment I heard they were about to release a new album. Your average Alestorm listener knows the band has evolved from a Running Wild-esque Heavy/Power Metal act with lyrics about pirates, alcohol, and battles to a more Power Metal-oriented sound—while keeping the same lyrical themes. Over time, the band has embraced humor too (who can forget the deluxe edition of 2017’s No Grave But the Sea, which included “dog versions” of all the songs?). That’s why one wouldn’t be too wrong in saying Alestorm is to Running Wild what NanowaR of Steel is to Rhapsody of Fire: initially a parody that eventually gained worldwide recognition and became a cult favorite.
Metalcatto
Sometimes a project crawls out of the pit and dares to challenge us—the filthy snobs who sit around eating chips while we laugh and judge the hard work of real artists. The Biscuit Merchant might have the least intimidating name in Metal (are you a scout selling cookies?), but this Prog/Death Metal project comes swinging with all sorts of quirky moves. Also, the creator of Tempora came recommended by a friend (Am I in Trouble?), and remember: connections are more important than talent or hard work. Sorry, kids! So let’s get into it.
Metacatto
Hi there! It’s been a while since we acknowledged some decent EPs, and I guess it’s time we did—even if it’s against my better judgment. That said, we’ve actually got a pair of bands today that could fit well on the same playlist (just pretend you don’t have one of those on a predatory streaming service). So let’s get down to business. We’re not getting any younger, and I’ve got interns to boss around, as usual.
Metalcatto
It used to be that if you learned English and maybe Swedish or German, you’d be able to understand around 90% of extreme Metal lyrics. However, that’s not true anymore. Now you need French too—because beyond France, Quebec is basically its own Metal country (this isn’t a political statement, don’t kill me!). Décryptal‘s Simulacre is bringing some old school Death Metal that promises to be disgusting enough that we’d actually remember it from the pile. Or at least that’s what the promo claimed. Let’s go!
Metalcatto
It can become difficult with the labels in metal sometimes. Some people abuse them, some don’t believe in them. Then you have bands like Witherer that defy our understanding of them. A Shadow Without a Horizon (uplifting title, really) is supposed to be a Disso-Death/Black/Funeral Doom act. Those three words together almost contradict each other. So, you can imagine that so much risk could end up in disaster or absolute success—but let’s relax, it’s a debut after all.
Metalcatto
Metal is full of colorful and almost quirky band names. Incinerated isn’t one of those. If anything, this Indonesian band means business with its proposal. Also, have we noticed how Indonesia has become an extreme Metal powerhouse in the last decade? I wouldn’t be surprised if it hasn’t already become Asia’s biggest producer, but I digress. Time to focus on Epitome of Transgression.
Metalcatto
Byzantine has been going at it for a long time now. Saying that the band has carved its own Prog/Groove/Radio Rock style is one way I can think to compliment its work. So here we have Harbingers. a title that seems to represent the struggles of the parent of an average one-year-old, but I’m sure the album has nothing to do with parenthood sadly (that’d be a bold move in Metal!), and more about something deep and philosophical. Anyway, let’s see what the veterans have for us.
Welcome to a new section of the blog, where those who patreon/contribute to the site (see options below) get our most honest feedback possible. This is still a review, but it’s also aimed at telling the band what works—and what needs improvement.
Metal Eclipse Reviews 