Metalcatto
You guys are sending me so much stuff lately, so no need for an intro, let’s go!
DoomsVein – Voodoo Dance: This is our expected True kvlt madness—unhinged and crusty Death Metal straight from the sewer. It reminds me of a less glamorous, more deranged version of Atheist. I enjoyed it way more than I expected. If these guys manage to tighten up their production even slightly, they’ll become a serious force in the quirky Death Metal niche. This is wild, raw, and unfiltered brutality with some unhinged vocals. I’ll definitely keep an eye out for more from them after this display of chaos. Click here!
Maanvlinder – Marionet: Were you ready for electronic-infused old-school In Flames? Because I wasn’t—but here it is, with a twist of Dutch Gothic Metal. If Goth MeloDeath sounds like a genre you didn’t know you needed, then this track might just win you over. The production is dirtier than what you usually find in either subgenre, but that helps balance out its softer elements. There’s a real throwback vibe to the ’90s golden age, yet it still manages to feel modern and relevant. This isn’t just retro worship. Click here!
Slutavverkning – Den mänskliga vredens arkitekter: Dirty, nasty Punk/Metal that makes me think of the working class being chewed up by the system—just what we need sometimes. Slutavverkning keeps things raw and honest, delivering a direct and effective message of anger and discomfort. It might not be my usual preference, but there’s something refreshing in its no-frills approach. Despite all the grime, it’s unexpectedly catchy—almost radio-friendly, even. Click here!
Igarka – Dopamine Ocean: This one was oddly ethereal and relaxing. Depressive Shoegaze with a heavy contemplative vibe, like if The Contortionist took a deep breath and dissolved into pure ambience. True kvlt isn’t usually where you’d expect to find something this abstract and gentle, but Igarka’s minimalist execution left a strong impression. The track genuinely feels like floating through a cloud of dopamine and soft emotions—states most Metalheads probably avoid by design. That’s why we need the devil’s music, after all. Click here!
GLITCH – Mystic Lights: Now for something completely different. Power ballads are rare these days, and while it’s not usually my thing, GLITCH does a lot with very little. Power Metal often leans too hard into ultra-clean production, but this track manages to maintain some grit. There’s a lo-fi warmth here you don’t often find anymore. Sure, it could’ve used more thunderous riffs, but the payoff is a clear, present bass line—and as you know, that’s rare in Metal. The vocals also linger in your mind longer than expected. Click here!
The Steve Walker Project – Tempus Vale: When a promo says the musician has been writing music for almost as long as I’ve been alive, it gets your attention. Thankfully, Steve delivers! This is well-produced, sharply written MeloDeath with real maturity. The guitar work is excellent, the vocals are dynamic, and there are hooks everywhere. Maybe the drums could be meaner, but honestly, this release towers over a lot of what gets submitted to us (looking at you, lone atmospheric Black Metal projects!). I’m still unsure about the more electronic elements, but maybe I don’t have to be a snob about everything. Click here!
That’s it! We’re done! Run! Run!
Metal Eclipse Reviews 