review – Page 14 – Metal Eclipse Reviews

Castrator – Coronation of the Grotesque

Metalcatto

When I got the promo for Castrator’s Coronation of the Grotesque, my eyes rolled back so hard that, for a moment, I could see my brain (this makes no anatomical sense, just saying). This was because, with a name so edgy and typical for Brutal Death Metal, there couldn’t possibly be anything original here, right? But I was wrong. This is an all-female band that is basically giving the male demographic a taste of their own medicine. Let’s face it—so much Death Metal is about doing horrible things to women. We needed something else! And I’m all for making the world a fairer place, so let’s go!

Oskoreien – Hollow Fangs

Metalcatto

It’s been a while since we’ve had some Post-Black Metal in our hands. You know how it goes with these types of albums: they either end up on a best-of-the-year list or fade into oblivion. There’s rarely anything in between. However, Oskoreien is a band that, despite having few releases, has been around for a while, which is why I approached Hollow Fangs with a decent amount of respect—and even a little hope. Besides, I kind of dig that dragon artwork (no, the dragon doesn’t look goofy—it’s art!). Now, let’s start throwing down.

Fer de Lance – Fires on the Mountainside

Elyna Kahn

Have you ever noticed that when a band releases an album and describes it in terms of music, lyrics, production, and so on, what you end up hearing isn’t always what you were told to expect? Well, that didn’t happen to me with Fer de Lance, an epic Heavy Metal band from Chicago. Their second album, Fires on the Mountainside, arrived in my inbox a while back with a description that went something like this: “This new work promises an immersive experience where epic heavy/power metal intertwines with doom-like overtones and black metal atmospheres, taking the listener through landscapes of mythology, revolution, and darkness. Far from sounding generic, Fer de Lance embraces a bold identity that pays homage to ’90s metal while forging their own path, guiding the bravest listeners toward unforgettable sonic adventures.”

Cryptopsy – An Insatiable Violence

Milo Lane

Hello, solstice, and hello, Cryptopsy Saturday! An Insatiable Violence arrives with the summer heatwave — relentless, overwhelming, and probably exactly what you didn’t know you needed. Just when you thought the Brutal Death Metal scene couldn’t get any more punishing, these Canadian legends throw down a record that will easily jackhammer an eardrum out of ya. And while I can’t tell you what to like, I can try my best to explain why this is a good thing.

Filth – Time to Rot

Metalcatto

It’s time to return to my local scene and see what the sewer’s flushing out today! Filth is exactly what you’d expect from a Swedish Death Metal band these days, and Time to Rot is also the kind of title you’d expect from a band named that way. So far, things feel a bit too familiar, right? Well, at least the cover art stands out—it’s disturbing, but also kind of beautiful. You might be wondering if the album carries that same vibe. Stay put and find out!

Rotgut – 24 oz Cantrip

Ixone

As someone who routinely defrosts halfway through a thrasher during summer, what could be more up my alley than a Blackened Thrash/Speed Metal record about drinking? Absolutely nothing. Rotgut’s very suggestively titled 24 oz Cantrip EP, which reeks of hangover from the album cover alone, delivers an infectious, high-energy sound that’s perfect for a burning June day. That said, be prepared for a whirlwind of chaos.

Alestorm – The Thunderfist Chronicles

Vicky

You’ve probably heard about Alestorm before. As a long-time fan of these pirate Metal titans, I had to listen the moment I heard they were about to release a new album. Your average Alestorm listener knows the band has evolved from a Running Wild-esque Heavy/Power Metal act with lyrics about pirates, alcohol, and battles to a more Power Metal-oriented sound—while keeping the same lyrical themes. Over time, the band has embraced humor too (who can forget the deluxe edition of 2017’s No Grave But the Sea, which included “dog versions” of all the songs?). That’s why one wouldn’t be too wrong in saying Alestorm is to Running Wild what NanowaR of Steel is to Rhapsody of Fire: initially a parody that eventually gained worldwide recognition and became a cult favorite.

The Biscuit Merchant – Tempora

Metalcatto

Sometimes a project crawls out of the pit and dares to challenge us—the filthy snobs who sit around eating chips while we laugh and judge the hard work of real artists. The Biscuit Merchant might have the least intimidating name in Metal (are you a scout selling cookies?), but this Prog/Death Metal project comes swinging with all sorts of quirky moves. Also, the creator of Tempora came recommended by a friend (Am I in Trouble?), and remember: connections are more important than talent or hard work. Sorry, kids! So let’s get into it.

EP Madness part 5: Deathblow & Rotgut

Metacatto

Hi there! It’s been a while since we acknowledged some decent EPs, and I guess it’s time we did—even if it’s against my better judgment. That said, we’ve actually got a pair of bands today that could fit well on the same playlist (just pretend you don’t have one of those on a predatory streaming service). So let’s get down to business. We’re not getting any younger, and I’ve got interns to boss around, as usual.

Décryptal – Simulacre

Metalcatto

It used to be that if you learned English and maybe Swedish or German, you’d be able to understand around 90% of extreme Metal lyrics. However, that’s not true anymore. Now you need French too—because beyond France, Quebec is basically its own Metal country (this isn’t a political statement, don’t kill me!). Décryptal‘s Simulacre is bringing some old school Death Metal that promises to be disgusting enough that we’d actually remember it from the pile. Or at least that’s what the promo claimed. Let’s go!