Bonginator – Retrodeath

Vicky

I was convinced that this band’s name was “Borginator”, so trying to find them on Google was not even slightly fun. Anyhow, this review is for all those of you who like Death Metal, fun, and doing questionable things, like smoking weed. Actually, there was this person on Reddit who said that Bonginator has “great songs, stupid lyrics, ’80s style intros.” And that pretty much sums it all up. How? Let’s find out.

Veilburner – Longing for Triumph, Reeking of Tragedy

Metalcatto

It hasn’t even been a year since SonikGoat gave Veilburner a crazy score for The Duality of Decapitation and Wisdom. It was indeed a creative effort that showed how Veilburner remains one of the most unique bands out there. I’ve been following the band for a few years now, and despite even owning some of its albums, I’ve always believed it could achieve perfection. That said, consistency isn’t even a question at this point. We know exactly what we’re getting — interdimensional evil music — when these guys are in charge of Longing for Triumph, Reeking of Tragedy. So sit back and prepare yourself for dissonance!

Death Has Spoken – Elegy

Metalcatto

I know! We’ve just reviewed some Death/Doom, so why are we doing it again? Well, not every day do we get some of it from Poland, and I thought, well, let’s see if pierogi isn’t the only thing they do differently there. So here we are, ready to dive into some hardcore depression that somehow makes us feel good for at least a few minutes before we’re dragged back into the pain and sorrow of capitalist existence. Oh, sorry! This is Death Has Spoken’s Elegy — let’s go!

Hooded Menace – Lachrymose Monuments of Obscuration

Metalcatto

Let’s say you’re really into Death/Doom and don’t know who Hooded Menace is. Umm, I’m trying to follow up that phrase with a way to forgive you, but it’s hard. Not many bands have continued releasing reliable and even spectacular retro-Metal like these guys. Albums like Never Cross the Dead, Darkness Drips Forth, and Ossuarium Silhouettes Unhallowed are now considered classics. So, you can imagine the bar is high — and since my 80s nostalgia is non-existent, good luck to the band in this review!

Umulamahri -Learning the Secrets of Acid

Metalcatto

When you see artwork like the one in Umulamahri’s Learning the Secrets of Acid, you might start wondering just how hard your face is about to melt. Will you even feel anything by the end? Calling this project Avant-Garde Disso-Death is almost an understatement. Its sinister and experimental nature promises a lot, especially since the minds behind it are masters of their craft. Now that I’ve set your expectations sky high, it’s time for this album to crush you, devour your carcass, and show us exactly what kind of secrets this substance holds.

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!

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?

Sorrowful Land – Hiraeth

Metalcatto

You know what this year hasn’t had much of (aside from peace and love)? Sad puppy Death/Doom. So I decided to check the inbox and see if we had some. Of course we did: Sorrowful Land Hiraeth (I swear I’ve reviewed an album with that name before). However, despite my obvious bias for this wholesome and crushing subgenre, I’m trying to give more balanced views lately when it comes to my guilty pleasures. So, let’s see if this album is something Pegah would love, or just me. Let’s dive in!