Reviews – Page 16 – Metal Eclipse Reviews

Paradise Lost – Ascension

Metalcatto

When you’re a band like Paradise Lost, one that redefined a subgenre and balanced its deep emotional side with relative commercial success, it’s hard to surprise the world. And yet, the band has managed to do that time and time again. I honestly can’t remember the last time it released anything below a 3.5/5 in my book. Ascension has the impossible task of proving that the band still has the resilience and creativity to deliver top-quality Doom Metal. For once, I have faith in these guys—and can you blame me?

Ültra Raptör – Fossilized

Metalcatto

Fun isn’t usually my thing. In fact, this review is only happening because Metalkitten (my three-year-old) saw dinosaurs and lasers in Ültra Raptör‘s promo and said, “that one has dinos in, so it’s cool.” With such crushing logic used against me, I had no option but to comply and give this Speed/Heavy Metal ride a chance to prove that it could be more than silly entertainment for the late afternoon. You see? I might be old now, but I still listen to the youth here and there.

Vintersorg – Vattenkrafternas Spel

Metalcatto

I guess it’s time for us to get really folky! Vintersorg is back, and there aren’t many bands in the Black/Folk/Prog world that have managed to keep such a unique blend alive without turning into a parody of themselves. Vattenkrafternas Spel has the complex task of continuing the almost perfect run the band has maintained for so long. Also, I couldn’t find confirmation in the promo material, but wouldn’t this be the end of the elemental tetralogy? I mean, water was the only one missing, so it would make sense! I’ll admit it—I’m a sucker for long and high-risk conceptual endeavors.

Igorrr – Amen

Metalcatto

This has been a week dedicated to everything strange in Metal, so what better way to head into the weekend than with the weirdest of them all? It’s Igorrr, the embodiment of French weirdness. With a long career of unpredictable Avant-Garde, Electronic, and Classical influences, the project has stayed consistently risky as the years have passed. The real question now is whether Amen can keep giving us something new, or if we’re finally going to get fed up with the gimmick. I mean, there has to be a moment when this starts to feel like an AI summary, right?

Sölicitör – Enemy in Mirrors

Vicky

I don’t really know what I’m doing writing about this album. As you know, I’ve done reviews on quite a few LPs, but never on something belonging to the Speed Metal genre, even though I sometimes (actually, rarely, to be more precise) listen to this type of music. I hadn’t heard about Sölicitör myself before getting this album, so I’m feeling a little superior at the moment and I want to share some wisdom. Long story short, Sölicitör released their debut album, the quite cool Spectral Devastation, back in 2020, and this new LP is more dynamic and overall better. I’m not saying that, the band members are. I can’t really afford to make any comments here since I’m not exactly your average 1980s type of music aficionado.

God Alone – The Beep Test

Metalcatto

With a name like that, you’d expect God Alone to be some kind of depressing post-metal act. The reality is much more complicated. The Beep Test is yet another step that proves the band’s refusal to be categorized. How else would you describe a group that mixes Math Rock, Pop, and Prog Metal all in one? You see? It’s not easy to define, but I can guarantee you this: it won’t leave anyone indifferent. So, join me today as we explore this strange world of euphoria and loneliness. Uplifting indeed!

Vile Apparition – Malignity

Metalcatto

We continue exploring the harmful side of Metal! It’s been a while without old school Death Metal, so let’s dive in! Vile Apparition might look at first like your consistent brutal band—nothing more and nothing less—but in Malignity the band tried to do more than just have fun and send us all to therapy. It attempts to leave a lasting impression, and there’s next to no other subgenre where this task is harder. Hence, I respect the impossible endeavor from the start. Enough drama now!

Violent Bursts: Short Works to Pummel Your Brain Out

Metalcatto

I was thinking two things. First it’s been a while since we reviewed something properly heavy and second, how about some quick EPs or mini-albums that embody the spirit of Grind and Brutal Death well. So, here we have two short works that will be out soon and I think are worth the few seconds they last. For real, I finally found something our distracted readers can stick to, if hopefully they can even manage to finish this article. So let’s start with the mayhem!

Stoned Jesus – Songs to Sun

Metalcatto

Stoned Jesus is probably one of the best band names I’ve heard in a while. You immediately know this is a Stoner/Sludge Metal band, right? True, but that’s the thing about Songs to Sun — it promises to be so much more than another album to roll joints to. There’s a moment of maturity many bands in this niche eventually reach, and I’m wondering if this is that album in its catalogue. The one where it convinces not just the diehards, but everyone else too, that you can be psychedelic and heartbreaking at the same time. Enough waiting, let’s dive in!

Liminal Erosion – In the Time Vulture’s Talons’

Metalcatto

I felt like reviewing something weird, but not too out of pocket. Liminal Erosion is a Funeral Doom band that has psychedelic and old-school influences. So not every day do I get an album that promises to make me depressed but also high as a kite. In the Time Vulture’s Talons needed some extra attention, which is why, despite its deep underground nature, I’m writing about it. Besides, look at that artwork—it really makes you think of the last time you had a fever dream you couldn’t even begin to explain. That’s optimistic enough, right?