Phasma – Purgatory

Metalcatto

I think I’m right on time for the Phasma party. It’s probably going to be the opposite of chilled, but we’re not here to enjoy relaxing stuff, unless your definition of relaxing is getting thrown in a barrel down a waterfall. Purgatory isn’t for the noobs. It’s not even for the experienced, but that doesn’t mean it’s good right away. That’s why I’m here to give a smug opinion about it. Preferably read it while you listen to the thing at the same time.

Necrogore – Ectoplasmic Rape Phenomena

Metalcatto

Necrogore arrives on our doorstep bearing one undeniably edgy album title: Ectoplasmic Rape Phenomena. If you happen to be a committed materialist like me (and yes, this is my genuine epistemological position), then this name reads as utterly ridiculous, hilarious nonsense. If you’re a normal, well-adjusted adult, your eyes probably rolled hard into the back of your skull at first glance. But I’m here to answer a more important question: does the album deliver something as heinously depraved and unhinged as its title promises? Let’s keep our fingers crossed and find out.

No Worth of Man – The Killing Streets

Metalcatto

With a title that makes you think No Worth of Man might be dropping some gangster rap, their new album The Killing Streets arrives with more pent-up anger issues than a hypothetical ten-year-old alcoholic. As is often the case with such intense material, the quality wasn’t immediately apparent; it required a deep, attentive dive to unravel. That’s precisely what we’re here for: to mess around in the sonic chaos and, hopefully, find out what lies beneath the aggression.

Cartoons Can’t Die – Rebirth

Metalcatto

If you’ve ever read Sophie’s World, you’ll understand how perfectly Platonic the band name Cartoon Can’t Die truly is. Now that I’ve indulged in that moment of cheap snobbery, let me tell you that their new album, Rebirth, doesn’t really fit into a simple genre box. And no, it’s not exactly the soundtrack to Who Framed Roger Rabbit. So, let’s jump into one genuinely strange album, because that’s what you’re here for.

Casket –  In The Long Run We Are All Dead

Milo Lane

There is a particular mindset required to sit down with a Casket record. Not preparation exactly — more like consent. An agreement with yourself that what follows will not ask politely, will not soften its edges, and will not care whether you are ready. Pressing play felt like anticipation braided tight with a certain resistance. I wanted this record. I knew I would also probably fight it.

Invictus – Nocturnal Visions

Metalcatto

When I think of Japanese Old School Death Metal, my first thought is Intestine Baalism. I know that’s not entirely fair to Invictus, a band that comes from a musical culture renowned for taking something that works and refining it to an even higher standard. Hence, I held onto a sliver of hope that their new album, Nocturnal Visions, wouldn’t be another generic entry merely trying to catch Tomb Mold‘s fiery momentum. I was cautiously optimistic, yet acutely aware that this style is arguably one of the most stable and traditional niches in Metal, rivaled perhaps only by the steadfast formulas of Power and Symphonic Metal. But let’s dive in.