True kvlt: Starspawn of Cthulhu, Slaughtersword, Xo.eN and Aftermath

It seems we’ve finally reached the first submission list from the deep web. However, there are still one or two lists more left. Hence, our suffering/joy continues. This week, we bring you some albums and EPs that show you how diverse and strange Metal can be. You know the drill: give them love or hate, but give these bands something! Let’s start!

Retro-Review: Iron Maiden – Virtual XI (with Elyna)

Alright! I’m excited to announce that we’re welcoming our first guest writer to this section. I won’t lie to you; in my opinion, this is a hot take. So, kill each other with kindness in the comments. Anyway, go give Elyna Kahn a follow, or even better, check out her Patreon. Enough from me, I leave you in her hands.

Dream Evil – Metal Gods

Regardless of your personal opinions, there’s no denying that Dream Evil is an institution within Power Metal. These guys have been doing this longer than many of you have been alive. Nordström has been involved with almost every significant Swedish MeloDeath band in the last twenty years. Needless to say, a band with a strong history, extensive contacts, and reputable labels behind it sets high expectations for its work. So, we won’t hold any punches when reviewing its new album, Metal Gods.

True kvlt: Embers Ignite, Hell In the Skies, Arkan Al’Fawda, The Impending Blindess

Here we go again! We have a few EPs and albums submitted by you, our beloved readers who keep our hearts pumping but bring no food to our tables (how do you feel about that, you freeloaders?). That’s okay, I’ll forgive you for now… let the judging begin!

Help us grow our population to surpass that of San Marino.

True kvlt – Black Phantom, Pagan Rites and Unveil The Omen

It’s that time of the week again when we go through our followers’ submissions in hopes of finding the next big thing. Today, we have two albums and one single. A strange mix, you might say, but may I remind you that at MER, we do whatever we want since you haven’t opened thy wallet yet. Remember, beggars can’t be choosers.

Helps us start an illegal militia here

Evergrey – Theories of Emptiness

Tell me something, do you feel sad? Do you feel neglected by a world that has denied you the right to be yourself? To spread your wings and fly beyond your somber prison, all without feeling rage? That’s a good description of what Evergrey represents to me, the prolific Power Metal band turned dark Heavy Metal. It’s been quite a trip since I discovered them via Recreation Day (oh! shouldn’t we retro-review that? It’s older than some countries now), but today we’re talking about Theories of Emptiness. Does it stack up to such a long and diverse discography, or will it leave you truly heartbroken? I hope you bring tissues because we’re punching you right in the feels today.

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?