Mind:Field – An Atonement of Existence

Metalcatto

Here I am again, helping those who are making Metal with their bare hands and gaining promo points by basically sending us a nice presentation email. It’s incredible how good manners still get you far in life, kids! Anyway, Mind:Field is a one-man Prog/Death Metal project, and that’s just as promising as it is dreadful in a way. Will An Atonement of Existence be a refreshing show of creativity, or are we going to be left with nothing but excess and regret? Kind of the way you feel after you empty that bag of fries in less than five minutes. Hopefully, this will hurt my blood pressure less. It’s time!

Pilgrimage – From Amber To Sun

Vicky

I had only briefly heard of Pilgrimage in my Doom/Goth/Death Metal groups of friends when some of them said that this band was very promising. I’ve listened to its debut album – Sigil of the Pilgrim Sun – in the Pandemic era, but I have to admit that, to my embarrassment, I completely forgot about it. I have to thank the manager of Metal Eclipse Reviews, our fellow cat lover and Metal enthusiast, Catto, for reminding me that Pilgrimage is about to release a new album, From Amber To Sun. And it’s a very good one.

Perishing- Malicious Acropolis Unveiled

Metalcatto

When you think of Funeral Doom, Costa Rica might not be the first place that comes to mind. The weather is warm, the scenery is beautiful, and people are often associated with an easygoing, happy way of life. Yet even in paradise, shadows can grow long, and Perishing proves it with its debut Malicious Acropolis Unveiled. This is not a casual dip into melancholy—it’s a grim, oppressive, and deliberately heavy work that aims to pull the listener deep into a world where hope is an illusion. The name alone feels like an ominous gateway, and maybe the music behind it delivers on that promise.

Unleashed – Fire Upon Your Lands

Metalcatto

Unleashed is an institution in Swedish Death Metal. The band was there at the dawn of time, back when everyone played with the same rancid distortion pedal and accidentally created a music subgenre. Fire Upon Your Lands is supposed to be a health check for a band that still feels fresh despite its years. I know — a Swedish band singing about Viking stuff already feels like raining over the ocean, but when you have such a classic act, things can go either really well or make you regret being a Metalhead. Let’s see which one we end up with here, ok? Wish me luck.

Trudger – Void Quest

Metalcatto

Sometimes you miss the decadence of urban life—the filth that makes you feel alienated, and yet, it’s the only home you know. Why am I starting this so seriously? Where are all the jokes? You see, when Trudger came to us with Void Quest, I quickly realized this band shares members with Dvne (one of my top Prog albums of 2024). The promise was that this would be even darker and heavier, so obviously, I’m more excited than a drunkard in a liquor store (stop it! Get some help!). So let’s go!

True kvlt: Thørles, Amerakin Overdose, & Willem

Metalcatto

Hi there, my depressed people of the internet! I know True kvlt usually doesn’t come out on Fridays, but a) I’m terribly busy living the summer life, and b) I recently joined Groover, and these are the projects that got my attention so far. They’re diverse and don’t exactly match my usual taste, but they definitely raise the quality of this section—not exactly known for its prestige. But hey, what can I do if you guys submit better stuff? Let’s go!

Azure Emote – Cryptic Aura

Metalcatto

Azure Emote’s Cryptic Aura is what happens when you combine Monstrosity with Eluveitie and Sirenia. If that sounds bizarre to you, you’re not alone. I wasn’t sure what to expect from such an eclectic group of musicians. To be honest, I had little time to overthink it—just got back from vacation, still in a food coma—but I figured this was a worthy shot to give a band some exposure. Whether that turns out good or bad remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: it’ll be honest. Even money can’t change our strong opinions at MER!

Malformed – Confinement of Flesh

Metalcatto

It’s been a while since we’ve reviewed some good old school Death Metal. Honestly, after everything that happened in 2024, I’ve gotten dangerously close to becoming a hater. It’s just hard to stay excited when the scene feels so oversaturated. Still, despite the genre fatigue, new bands continue to dive into the old school trenches like it’s 1992 all over again. One of these brave souls is Malformed, who arrive with the debut Confinement of Flesh. This record is supposed to bring something fresh to the table, but you’ll have to excuse my skepticism — I’ve heard that before.