review – Page 25 – Metal Eclipse Reviews

Belnejoum – Dark Tales of Zarathustra

I guess it was about time to return to Symphonic Black Metal. I mean, isn’t this what we all want every week? But in reality, these releases are few and far between. Enter Belnejoum, a project that, despite having one main writer, features collaborations from all corners of the Metalsphere (Fleshgod Apocalypse, Nile, Annihilator, to name a few). Dark Tales of Zarathustra—a title that instantly takes me back to my teenage years, lost in Nietzsche and Sartre books (what? I had a lonely and pretentious childhood!). So, how about we dive into the depth of this album?

Spiritbox – Tsunami Sea

If we go back to 2021, most of you were locked into your homes, thinking about how many shows were left to watch before the total apocalypse consumed us. However, that wasn’t the only surprise of the year. We got Eternal Blue, an album that put Spiritbox on the map as one of the new ambassador bands (bands that bring newcomers into the genre). Being such a band can deeply divide the Metal world, which is why Tsunami Sea is one of the most anticipated—and dreaded—releases of 2025. I’ll be honest, I enjoyed the debut as much as anyone, but I understood its limitations. So, where does Tsunami Sea stand?

Imperial Triumphant – Goldstar

Enough procrastinating! It’s time to finish what we started a few days ago by giving our “expert” opinion on Imperial Triumphant’s Goldstar. We even made a top to celebrate this occasion. If that doesn’t tell you how pumped I am for this release, then I don’t know what else to do for you. No need for long intros—we all know Imperial Triumphant is one of the most Avant-Garde bands of the last ten years. Not many can compete with the level of urban horror these guys conjure up, but as a huge fan, I’m nervous! Can you blame me?

Destruction – Birth of Malice

It’s time for a classic—after all, we don’t dive into those often enough around here. Does Destruction even need an introduction? For the younger crowd, here’s a quick history lesson: after the U.S. had its wave of Thrash, Germany followed suit with its own. The Teutonic version was more aggressive, though over time, it also embraced a more melodic edge. Destruction has seen it all—the highs, the lows, the classic albums (Release from Agony), and the not-so-classic ones (Born to Perish). So, where does Birth of Malice fit into this legacy? Is it going to beat us up at the bar, or will it need a hip replacement? Let’s find out!

Sadist – Something to Pierce

Not many bands embody the saying “it was ahead of its time” like Sadist does. A band that has been crafting complex, quirky, and creative Progressive Death Metal since before many of us were born, it continues to push boundaries with its signature sound. Firescorched was a total hit in my eyes, proving once again that this project sounds like no other, and wherever it goes, its style remains undeniably unique. That said, Something to Pierce has a high bar to reach, and I find myself on the fence about it. I’ve been hurt too many times before to get my hopes up too quickly!

Whitechapel – Hymns in Dissonance

There’s no way around Whitechapel—it’s a band with a fiercely loyal fanbase that’s stuck with it through thick and thin. So, let’s get this out of the way: I’m fully aware that diving into Hymns in Dissonance might summon the wrath of the internet. You might be wondering, “Why even review something so ‘Core’?” After all, it’s almost a tradition at MER to trash the whole niche. But hey, someone’s gotta take one for the team, right? We’re aiming for more journalistic integrity these days, and being open-minded is part of the deal. Plus, if there’s one band that’s managed to elevate the genre, it’s Whitechapel, so why not give it the benefit of the doubt for once?

Cross Bringer – Healismus Aeternus

Ixone

Do you ever stumble across an album that makes you wonder what you’re actually listening to? Cross Bringer got me into that exact situation with its latest effort, Healismus Aeternus. Given that it’s an international band, I expected the music to be a blend of different sounds and atmospheres, as it is generally the case with such projects. That, along with the genre and sound description raising a few question marks, made me go into this album with a healthy dose of skepticism. However, I was, albeit unexpectedly, pleasantly surprised.

Avantasia – Here Be Dragons

Elyna Kahn

Avantasia‘s tenth studio album, Here Be Dragons, is here! Featuring 10 tracks, artwork by Rodney Matthews, and bombastic production by the renowned Sascha Paeth, this album retains the band’s signature essence: masterful choruses, Symphonic Metal elements, and creative sounds. Following its release, the band will embark on a highly anticipated European tour, much to the excitement of its dedicated fanbase.

KLPS – KLPS

This our first double review. So, just jump in!

Christian Mistress – Children of the Earth

Sometimes at MER, we need a break from all the monkey howling and the buzzing chainsaw guitars. We need to connect with our spirit animal (probably one of these). That’s why we have room for old-school Heavy Metal/Hard Rock bands like Christian Mistress, a band that’s essentially rising from the dead with its latest album, Children of the Earth. In our niche scene, we’re used to bands taking long breaks between albums—after all, nobody’s making money out of this “business”—but that doesn’t mean we can’t get excited and have expectations, right? Let’s dive in!