Cognizance -In Light, No Shape

Metalcatto

If you’ve been following MER for a while, you might suspect that Willowtip Records has bribed us into submission. But first, no Metal label has that kind of money, and second, they just make good records. What can we do? So, yes, I expect Cognizance to hit harder than a tomahawk missile—oh, too soon? Anyway, In Light and No Shape is supposed to knock us out on our buttholes. Let’s see.

Tarask – Sitra Ahra

Metalcatto

Here we go again, our favorite guilty pleasure at MER: French Black Metal. You know how it has to be. One-member band, checked. Antiq as label, checked. Harsh production, checked. Lyrics about conformity and consumerism—but please buy the merch—checked. It’s all here, and we’re ready to dive into Tarask‘s Sitra Ahra with high hopes and dreams.

Teramaze – The Silent Architect

Metalcatto

It can happen, once in a full moon, that this reviewer feels like looking for something less intense. At least in the noise department, my ears need a break from the constant bashing. Teramaze is an old school Progressive Metal band—the kind that dives more into Dream Theater or Karnivool vibes than Opeth. Now that you know what to expect, let’s dive into The Silent Architect.

EP Special: Voidspire – Vacant Towers

Vicky

I know it’s been quite some time since I last reviewed an album for you dear people, however not only am I back now, but Catto handed me a dangerously powerful weapon, which is Voidspire’s debut EP, Vacant Towers. So, before we dig into this material, there are two questions I am sure you are already asking yourselves – who are the people in Voidspire and why is their music dangerous? Shockingly, both questions have the same answer: the band is Norwegian and they play death/black metal. I’m not sure where the “atmospheric” part of the aforementioned genres appears in Voidspire’s songs, but according to Encyclopaedia Metallum, these people have a more melodic approach to those genres that I, for one, would have dared to call even… symphonic.

ORDH – Blind In Abyssal Realms

Metalcatto

It’s time for a debut, and judging by the artwork, I should have some expectations. ORDH is a strange name for a band that is planning to send us to hell and back. Blind In Abyssal Realms is supposed to be everything you want from a Prog/Tech/Death Metal experience. Yet, the band is still new in town, so we still need to give it a baptism of fire. Join me, and hopefully you won’t be more disappointed than the last time your vinyl order was indefinitely delayed.

Hebephrenique – Decathexis

Metalcatto

When the band is named Hebephrenique and the album is titled Decathexis, you know they aren’t here to play My Little Pony. If anything, you should expect something that would ruin your breakfast harder than massive layoffs at your workplace. It’s been a while since we reviewed some sick Black/Death Metal around here. 2025 will be hard to top in that department, but that doesn’t mean we should disregard the underground so quickly.

The Silver – Looking Glass Hymnal Blue

Metalcatto

Two things seem evident to me now. One: that you’re all hyped up about Looking Glass Hymnal Blue. Two: that The Silver really likes the color blue. This eclectic project likes to defy labels, which always sits well with me. However, that doesn’t mean we automatically roll out the red carpet at MER. You could get a boot in the face any day. Just know that before you send us your stuff. Now that this information is clear, let’s start.

The Biscuit Merchant – Golden Age

Metalcatto

The Biscuit Merchant is back, and if the artwork is telling us anything, they’re now the cookie dealer. If you owe them money, you end up like that. I knew it was only a matter of time before the kids would come back and try to break my legs. So, one of the revelations of 2025 wants to try again. Let’s see if Golden Age is an honorable sequel or just forgotten cookie dough.