Metalcatto
Here we are. Let’s not waste any time.
Wsemsz – The World Inside You: I don’t necessarily hate covers as a rule. In fact, the original track “10 Years After” is so criminally underrated that I feel genuine joy hearing anyone give this classic composition a more metallic reinterpretation. Sure, this version is cleaner and more polished than the source material, but I felt real, unironic joy in noticing that the track’s emotional core and spirit will clearly live on through interpretations like this.
Desu Taem – Aquaman’s Last Breath, Path to Wrath & The Holy Spirit Scowling at Me: The first track here is friendly, approachable Heavy Metal laced with unmistakably comedic lyrical tones. The second is essentially a full-blown Nu-Metal track, channeling all that angsty, adolescent rage only a teenager could authentically produce. The third submission is probably the most accessible and radio-friendly thing these guys have ever sent us; it almost borders on Christian Rock in its clean, melodic structure. You genuinely never know what Desu Taem is going to leave in the mailbox each week, and that unpredictability remains oddly endearing.
Aviditas – Dead World: Sure, this track is undeniably depressing. The lyrics make that thematic intent all too obvious, wallowing in existential decay. However, the calm, measured delivery combined with those dramatic and robust vocals transforms this heavy ballad into something genuinely respectable and emotionally resonant. The production leans toward the clean and loud side of the spectrum, which suits the style’s cinematic ambitions quite well. Anyway, it earns its place here.
MÆD – Imaginary I: Shockingly enough, I’m not the biggest traditional Rock fan as a rule. But when a song is this profoundly melancholic and the guitar solos are this compellingly crafted, I can absolutely make an exception. MÆD feels like a band transported from another, more emotionally earnest era, yet they are armed with a modern, crisp sound, which is promising to say the least.
A Future Made of Ash – Alpha and Omega: This track balances heaviness and brutality with surprising delicacy. It is Symphonic Death Metal executed in a way that even our colleague Vicky could enthusiastically get behind. It avoids some of the cheesier, over-the-top excesses that plague the niche, yet still retains that essential, atmospheric “Dracula’s castle” vibe. It was a genuinely pleasant surprise in the end.
Edoma – Lost in the Wilds: Alright! I totally dig this. It sounds as if you took the raw, frozen fury of Immortal and expertly blended it with the expansive, textured dynamics of Post-Metal. The result is crushingly heavy yet absolutely packed with tasty, memorable riffs. If Edoma manages to release a new full-length album this year, we would be thrilled to dedicate a proper, in-depth review to it. Just saying.
Metal Eclipse Reviews 