Metal Eclipse Reviews

The Biscuit Merchant – Tempora

Metalcatto

Sometimes a project crawls out of the pit and dares to challenge us—the filthy snobs who sit around eating chips while we laugh and judge the hard work of real artists. The Biscuit Merchant might have the least intimidating name in Metal (are you a scout selling cookies?), but this Prog/Death Metal project comes swinging with all sorts of quirky moves. Also, the creator of Tempora came recommended by a friend (Am I in Trouble?), and remember: connections are more important than talent or hard work. Sorry, kids! So let’s get into it.

EP Madness part 5: Deathblow & Rotgut

Metacatto

Hi there! It’s been a while since we acknowledged some decent EPs, and I guess it’s time we did—even if it’s against my better judgment. That said, we’ve actually got a pair of bands today that could fit well on the same playlist (just pretend you don’t have one of those on a predatory streaming service). So let’s get down to business. We’re not getting any younger, and I’ve got interns to boss around, as usual.

Décryptal – Simulacre

Metalcatto

It used to be that if you learned English and maybe Swedish or German, you’d be able to understand around 90% of extreme Metal lyrics. However, that’s not true anymore. Now you need French too—because beyond France, Quebec is basically its own Metal country (this isn’t a political statement, don’t kill me!). Décryptal‘s Simulacre is bringing some old school Death Metal that promises to be disgusting enough that we’d actually remember it from the pile. Or at least that’s what the promo claimed. Let’s go!

Witherer -A Shadow Without a Horizon

Metalcatto

It can become difficult with the labels in metal sometimes. Some people abuse them, some don’t believe in them. Then you have bands like Witherer that defy our understanding of them. A Shadow Without a Horizon (uplifting title, really) is supposed to be a Disso-Death/Black/Funeral Doom act. Those three words together almost contradict each other. So, you can imagine that so much risk could end up in disaster or absolute success—but let’s relax, it’s a debut after all.

Incinerated – The Epitome of Transgression

Metalcatto

Metal is full of colorful and almost quirky band names. Incinerated isn’t one of those. If anything, this Indonesian band means business with its proposal. Also, have we noticed how Indonesia has become an extreme Metal powerhouse in the last decade? I wouldn’t be surprised if it hasn’t already become Asia’s biggest producer, but I digress. Time to focus on Epitome of Transgression.

Byzantine – Harbingers

Metalcatto

Byzantine has been going at it for a long time now. Saying that the band has carved its own Prog/Groove/Radio Rock style is one way I can think to compliment its work. So here we have Harbingers. a title that seems to represent the struggles of the parent of an average one-year-old, but I’m sure the album has nothing to do with parenthood sadly (that’d be a bold move in Metal!), and more about something deep and philosophical. Anyway, let’s see what the veterans have for us.

The Feedback Forge: Encelado – Pillars of Creation

Welcome to a new section of the blog, where those who patreon/contribute to the site (see options below) get our most honest feedback possible. This is still a review, but it’s also aimed at telling the band what works—and what needs improvement.

Dolven – In My Grave…Silence

Metalcatto

It’s time for a break—and by that, I mean Metal isn’t always just harshness. It’s a state of mind. Dolven isn’t our usual cup of tea, but I’m kind of tired of people shouting and growling at me, so why not check out In My Grave…Silence, an album that has one of the most sorrowful clean vibes we’ve heard this year (It’s acoustic Doom!). Besides, I love that kind of medieval art. Don’t you?

Eminentia Tenebris -Whispers of the Undying

Metalcatto

It’s been a while since we’ve been to space! It was so hot last year, while now it seems to have cooled down (that’s a fact!). However, Eminentia Tenebris bring us something peculiar in Whispers of the Undying. It’s a space opera! And who doesn’t like those? Especially when they come in the form of Symphonic/Black Metal that has the rawness and drama that Dimmu Borgir has been lacking for the last twenty years. Also, is it possible that for once Antiq didn’t send us something recorded with a potato? Let’s find out!

True kvlt: Mission Jupiter, Warslaughter, & Refusal

Metalcatto

Hi there, my beloved dungeon dwellers. It’s that time of the week where I dig into whatever the deep underground throws at us and try to give some constructive criticism. I really tried to mix things up this time. Also—did I mention that now even the smallest bands can get a full review? But for a price, of course (scroll to the bottom), and with no guarantees of a positive score. We’re not complete sellouts… yet! Let’s go!