Metalcatto
I’m later to this than an airplane with two engines on fire, so let’s dive right in!
HKSPK – Torture: We start hard with something that sounds like it was recorded straight in a local slaughterhouse. Yes, it’s Blackened Death Metal, but what defines it is that disgustingly raw snare and the overall primal drum production, paired with vocals so tortured they make me believe the vocalist was genuinely suffering during the recording session. It’s a visceral, unforgiving track that brutally brings us back to the raw, unpolished ethos of this section’s early days. Yay for unadulterated audio violence!
Vox Hexterna – The Pagan King & The Silence: I had to think twice about whether this project truly fit MER’s typical fare, but then I recalled we’ve covered far stranger things. This is Metal heavily layered with electronic textures, framed within an unexpectedly accessible formula. While it has its aggressive, guitar-driven moments, both tracks possess a polished sheen that could easily find a home on specialized radio. The vocals genuinely steal the show, delivering an emotional intensity that borders on cathartic—so be ready for a potential tear or two amid the synth-laden atmosphere.
Butch Against the Machine – No Hope: Here we have instrumental Metal that, without relying on insane technical complexity, masterfully evokes the existential void of modern life. Even with its more restrained and gentle touches, the track feels profoundly oppressive and suffocating in its own minimalist way. The production is particularly interesting for the style; it’s intentionally a bit unpolished and raw, which feels like a novel and refreshing choice in the often-overproduced world of shred-centric instrumentals.
Jeff Martin – The Winds of Sinai: Not everything at MER has to be about head-chopping intensity, which is why a relaxing and dreamy instrumental guitar track comes in handy here. It’s warm, approachable, and serves as a perfect auditory palate cleanser. However, it still features its moments of melodic shred, assuring you’ll get your necessary break without sacrificing musical interest. It’s the kind of track that allows for reflection while still offering something intricate to appreciate.
Octohawk – Make it On The Crust: Everyone, step aside, because I genuinely think Octohawk (what a brilliantly ridiculous name!) has what it takes to become a significant force in the scene—the Sludge scene, to be precise. This track showcases solid songwriting, clean yet weighty production, and tight, cohesive musicianship. It’s always a pleasure to encounter Sludge that does more than just rely on buzzing, monolithic riffs, and this offering has a compelling sense of groove and structure. I’d love to review a full-length album if the band manages to release one soon.
Zoltar – Dansen på gamla skolan: How about something more classically Gothic and steeped in nostalgia? Zoltar delivers exactly that with a retro energy that instantly transports you to the set of an ’80s horror film or a foggy, cobblestoned European city at midnight. It’s not particularly heavy, and it certainly borrows from more commercial, synth-driven acts of that era, but it perfectly captures that specific, melancholic nostalgia that keeps many metalheads wistfully returning to those lost, romanticized times. It’s a charming and atmospheric conclusion to this diverse roundup.
Metal Eclipse Reviews 