Metal Eclipse Reviews

Swelling Repulsion – Fatally Misguided

Transcending Obscurity has become the label for Tech Death. In whatever shape you like it, they probably have a band that can play as technical, as fast, or as disgusting as you need it. Enter Swelling Repulsion (nice name, by the way), an act that has a difficult task: to stand out in a year full of impressive Tech Death (see The Last of Lucy’s Godform or Replicant). In its newest effort, Fatally Misguided (just like you making career choices), the band is attempting to show that it has a different proposal for you, but is it even possible to get out of the comfort zone? Notice that Tech Death relax time is still the most stressful moment in the lives of 90% of musicians.

True kvlt: Lyssophobia – Sadismos

This is a special segment dedicated to bands emerging deep from the underground, defying all odds to produce compelling work. These acts possess a rawness often absent from mainstream bands, though it might be an acquired taste. The choice is yours—show them love or hate, but whatever you do, give them something!

Hellbutcher – Hellbutcher

Don’t you ever feel that Black Metal is sometimes kind of stale? As if you’ve heard it all before? I don’t mean combined styles like Black/Folk, Black/Post, Blackened Death—those seem to be doing well. However, pure Black Metal can be more predictable than your morning routine. It’s almost as if there’s some edge lacking on the blade. Nifelheim was a project that understood this and added real excitement to this old formula. From its ashes rises Hellbutcher, a bit of a super band by Swedish standards (even if it’s technically a solo project). I know that “solo” and “super” at the same time might make you nervous, but should we give Hellbutcher the benefit of the doubt?

Retro-Review: Blind Guardian – Nightfall in Middle-Earth

Welcome to Retro-Reviews, a space where I indulge in my own nostalgic reveries, reminiscing about a time that never truly existed, but one that I’ve crafted through various random albums that hold significance for me. Whether good or bad, one thing is certain: remembering can be a bittersweet journey.

Árstíðir lífsins – Aldrlok

When it comes to Black and Post Metal, Iceland is a force to be reckoned with. In fact, I’ll probably write a blog entry about it in the future, even though these lovely people sort of beat me to it long ago. To put it briefly, it’s Metal that sounds like a volcano erupting in the darkest place on Earth, while you hide in a cave with freezing temperatures. Árstíðir lífsins is one of the many exponents of the style, but with the difference that it takes the Icelandic formula to its ultimate end. With a discography already filled with enigmatic poetry, where does Aldrlok fit in? Well, you’re in luck today.

Adversarial – Solitude with the Eternal

Have you wondered what it would feel like to let go? To give in to your darkest side and do something vile and unhinged? Something like waking up at three in the morning only to finish off that cold pizza that’s been in your fridge for a week. Well, Adversarial is returning from its long slumber with Solitude with The Eternal and is planning to put you through something just as appalling. Don’t believe it? Stay put!

Summoner’s Circle – Cult

As the proud leader of my own cult, which you can join at any time, I’m interested in any research or art that helps me expand my paws around the corrupt world. Hence, when Summoner’s Circle came out with a new release named Cult, I had to investigate it to see if it offered me new tools that would increase my chances for world domination. Keep reading, and you’ll find out.

True kvlt: Die Entweihung – Kings and Pawns

Your vinyl addiction: three gorgeous LPs issue 1

Welcome to a segment where we embrace your addiction shamelessly. We understand that you might even consider taking out a second mortgage on your house just to keep expanding your collection in a desperate attempt to fill the void deep within your soul. It’s time to succumb to your intrusive thoughts and admire some beautifully crafted LPs that have recently hit the shelves. I’m not sponsored by any of these bands, labels, or promoters. However, if you’re open to business discussions, let’s talk! After all, all principles bow down before the almighty dollar. Shall we dive in?

Nocturnus AD – Unicursal

Sitting on the throne, pondering how humanity has chosen to discard its waste into the very liquid that sustains it, I came to the profound realization that “space” Metal isn’t just a current trend; it has been hot since the 80s (you know, the era of terrible CGI and unmatched arms races). Nocturnus AD is simultaneously new and old. Those of you well-versed in The Culture will recall The Key, released under its previous band name. For those of you who are still tax-fed teenagers, you may recognize them from Paradox. But enough dwelling on the past; let’s delve into Unicursal and see what it has to offer.