metalcatto

Destruction – Birth of Malice

It’s time for a classic—after all, we don’t dive into those often enough around here. Does Destruction even need an introduction? For the younger crowd, here’s a quick history lesson: after the U.S. had its wave of Thrash, Germany followed suit with its own. The Teutonic version was more aggressive, though over time, it also embraced a more melodic edge. Destruction has seen it all—the highs, the lows, the classic albums (Release from Agony), and the not-so-classic ones (Born to Perish). So, where does Birth of Malice fit into this legacy? Is it going to beat us up at the bar, or will it need a hip replacement? Let’s find out!

Sadist – Something to Pierce

Not many bands embody the saying “it was ahead of its time” like Sadist does. A band that has been crafting complex, quirky, and creative Progressive Death Metal since before many of us were born, it continues to push boundaries with its signature sound. Firescorched was a total hit in my eyes, proving once again that this project sounds like no other, and wherever it goes, its style remains undeniably unique. That said, Something to Pierce has a high bar to reach, and I find myself on the fence about it. I’ve been hurt too many times before to get my hopes up too quickly!

Gotta Rank ‘Em All: Every Imperial Triumphant Album Ranked

Metalcatto

The people have spoken, and we started a new section, filled with hunger and ambition—but let’s see how it goes. Imperial Triumphant is the definition of a band of rich kids that went to art school. Nothing wrong with that, because I’m a huge fan! In fact, IT is New York’s response to French Avant-Garde/Black Metal hegemony, and as much as I love that scene (despite its controversies), who the fudge wants to be ruled by the French? Let’s start this countdown as a celebration of the upcoming release Goldstar.

Whitechapel – Hymns in Dissonance

There’s no way around Whitechapel—it’s a band with a fiercely loyal fanbase that’s stuck with it through thick and thin. So, let’s get this out of the way: I’m fully aware that diving into Hymns in Dissonance might summon the wrath of the internet. You might be wondering, “Why even review something so ‘Core’?” After all, it’s almost a tradition at MER to trash the whole niche. But hey, someone’s gotta take one for the team, right? We’re aiming for more journalistic integrity these days, and being open-minded is part of the deal. Plus, if there’s one band that’s managed to elevate the genre, it’s Whitechapel, so why not give it the benefit of the doubt for once?

Cross Bringer – Healismus Aeternus

Ixone

Do you ever stumble across an album that makes you wonder what you’re actually listening to? Cross Bringer got me into that exact situation with its latest effort, Healismus Aeternus. Given that it’s an international band, I expected the music to be a blend of different sounds and atmospheres, as it is generally the case with such projects. That, along with the genre and sound description raising a few question marks, made me go into this album with a healthy dose of skepticism. However, I was, albeit unexpectedly, pleasantly surprised.

Avantasia – Here Be Dragons

Elyna Kahn

Avantasia‘s tenth studio album, Here Be Dragons, is here! Featuring 10 tracks, artwork by Rodney Matthews, and bombastic production by the renowned Sascha Paeth, this album retains the band’s signature essence: masterful choruses, Symphonic Metal elements, and creative sounds. Following its release, the band will embark on a highly anticipated European tour, much to the excitement of its dedicated fanbase.

KLPS – KLPS

This our first double review. So, just jump in!

Christian Mistress – Children of the Earth

Sometimes at MER, we need a break from all the monkey howling and the buzzing chainsaw guitars. We need to connect with our spirit animal (probably one of these). That’s why we have room for old-school Heavy Metal/Hard Rock bands like Christian Mistress, a band that’s essentially rising from the dead with its latest album, Children of the Earth. In our niche scene, we’re used to bands taking long breaks between albums—after all, nobody’s making money out of this “business”—but that doesn’t mean we can’t get excited and have expectations, right? Let’s dive in!

Grima – Nightside

Stargazer Scholar

The wind sighs, and the forest weeps, oblivious and wise. The wind howls, and the snowfall turns into a blizzard. The icy tears mourn no human tragedy; the wooden limbs feel no fleeting warmth. Slowly, painfully, an exhausted wanderer labors through endless snowdrifts. It won’t be long before he succumbs to the freezing clutches of death, but for now he trudges on, all sense of direction and purpose lost. It won’t be long before he finally lies down and stares at the crisscrosses of black crooked branches barely discernible through the shimmering veil of white. It won’t be long before the forest stares back, indifferent and majestic…

As The World Dies – Nebula

Well, this was a mistake! I was supposed to review this next month, but I mixed up dates and ended up listening to it now. I assume As The World Dies won’t mind getting an early review of Nebula. With the risk of getting repetitive, here we have another release that doesn’t necessarily fit any traditional mold in Death Metal aside from the space Metal one, which, as we know, becomes much harder to define with each passing year. So here we are, trying to put labels on this untamed beast with little success if you ask me, but let’s keep trying!