Metalcatto
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Ominous Portent – Once in a Dream: Imagine what would happen if a classic Finnish Death Metal band recruited a Black Metal vocalist who could actually show some decency and restraint. That’s what we have here. Groovy riffs and tight writing show a band that can deliver more than just nostalgia. It also offers a sick atmosphere, which is uncommon for this niche. The vocals don’t overpower the instruments, and the whole thing breathes in a way that classic death metal rarely does. A pleasant surprise.
Sixstrings – Ride on Steel: Fun Heavy Metal that reminds you of the days when getting wasted was considered a rite of passage in the genre instead of what it actually is—a tragic addiction. I truly liked the guitar tone here. It’s sharp and clean, same with the vocals. Overall, this retro Heavy Metal offers a few moments that bring you back to your parents’ golden days. It’s not groundbreaking, but it doesn’t need to be. Sometimes you just want to raise a horn and forget the world for a few minutes.
Virial – The Insight: Can anyone tell me if these guys have a label? Because this is brutal Tech Death from Italy—a land that always offers insane Death Metal. Well, Virial is no exception. Flashy, unforgiving, but still fancy in its execution. The riffs twist and turn without losing momentum, and the drumming is precise enough to make most musicians weep. I wouldn’t be surprised if a promoter sends me a full album from this band in the future. It’s that good. So if you love extremely nasty riffs, then this is what you live for.
Tyrannus – Flesh Eternal: Yes, things can get even more intense. This track is punishing and savage Death Metal that has some technicality but is mostly just dedicated to crushing you into a million pieces with little to no mercy. It’s loud and suffocating. Clearly not for everyone, but for those who like their Metal like I like my Indian food—capable of destroying my toilet a million times—it’s painful, but in a good way. The riffs are relentless, and the vocals are pure hostility. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Entropy Eternal – You Fought Well: Decadent Blackened Death that at times almost made me think this was some relaxing trip, only to throw me back into the storm of horror and pain. The production is a bit rough, but nothing you haven’t faced in this section of the blog before, so don’t panic. I think you’ll be able to endure this onslaught without major issues. Just be ready for some drama. The dynamics shift unexpectedly, and the atmosphere is thick enough to choke on. Worth the risk.
Chain Home – Frost: Let’s wrap things up with some Nordic gloom—or in this case, just straight-up ice and fire. Despite its simplicity, you can feel the Viking Metal influence here. It’s very focused on the riff. Sure, it has Groove Metal touches, but nothing gets too abused, which is why this could even make it to some sort of underground heavy radio—if those still exist right now. The track marches forward with purpose, never overstaying its welcome. A solid closer for a solid batch.
Metal Eclipse Reviews 