Suffering so you don't have to!
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.
Metalcatto
There are two certainties when it comes to Greek Black Metal: the artwork is going to be visually arresting, often steeped in occult symbolism, and the distrust for religious institutions will be off the charts. Decipher has built a reputation as a consistent band within this fertile scene, and if its new album, ΘΕΛΗΜΑ, is anywhere near as accomplished as Arcane Path of Resurrection, then the band would have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Or is it? Cringe and Black Metal have always shared an uneasy, intertwined history, but let’s descend into the darkness and find out.
Metalcatto
If you think Muerto is simply a Death Metal band name, you’ve been thoroughly fooled by the marketing machine. Whatever is happening on its new album, Eclipsed Realms, cannot be so neatly categorized. It certainly cannot be described as Death Metal, nor does it entirely fit within the strict confines of Black Metal, even though its production lovingly embraces that signature rotten, lo-fi aesthetic. Do you expect me to feel some misguided mercy just because we share the word “eclipse” in our respective titles? Hehe, not a chance!
Metalcatto
You know I have a soft spot for anything that mixes Prog and Death in the same sentence. What can I say? I like my bands to starve. So when Mors Verum came to me like a fart in the wind, I knew I had to smell it properly. Enough disgusting and childish jokes, though; what we really want to know is whether Canvas is worth your money, or at least your almost non-existent attention. Let’s get this horror started.
Metalcatto
It hasn’t even been a year since SonikGoat gave Veilburner a crazy score for The Duality of Decapitation and Wisdom. It was indeed a creative effort that showed how Veilburner remains one of the most unique bands out there. I’ve been following the band for a few years now, and despite even owning some of its albums, I’ve always believed it could achieve perfection. That said, consistency isn’t even a question at this point. We know exactly what we’re getting — interdimensional evil music — when these guys are in charge of Longing for Triumph, Reeking of Tragedy. So sit back and prepare yourself for dissonance!
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.
Metalcatto
Let me say something straight: I meant to review this way earlier, but life (and summer holidays) got in the way. Even after the delay, I couldn’t bring myself to ignore Floating. A band claiming to mix Death Metal with Post-Punk? That doesn’t happen every day. I needed to hear it to believe it! Hesitating Lights might just be that weird record that ends up on the “best genre fusion” list by the end of the year. Or am I being overly optimistic? Is it too soon? I don’t know—but let’s get to work, ok?
Metalcatto
It might surprise you, but I’ve been following Imperialist for a while. You know I’m all in when it comes to space-themed Metal. However, I must admit that if I ignore the lyrics, this band’s music often feels like effective and almost traditional Black Metal—something that could make many old Norwegians proud. There’s nothing wrong with that, of course, but it did make me wonder if Prime would break the band’s mold or stick to its strengths. After all, if it’s not broken, why fix it?
It’s been a while since we covered anything coming from animal-loving labels like Transcending Obscurity. So, I went to my collapsed email box and found an album with a cool and Lovecraft-like cover from la France! Of course, I had to give it a go. Skaphos is a Blackened Death Metal band. As a style that many have tried and failed to master, it’s a complex balance between the fury and sorrow of both genres, but Cult of Uzura aims to defy these expectations, and I’m okay with that. In fact, as long as it doesn’t just blast from beginning to end, that’ll be enough for me!
Alright, my beloved dungeon dwellers! We’re going to keep this one fast, violent, and sweet—because Obscureviolence makes music just like that. Unadulterated and unapologetic. So why take it easy when we’re getting hit with eight tons of pure lifeless iron? Refuting the Flesh is a pretty cool name for a short album, right? It even sounds a bit metaphysical. Someone might say it’s dualist propaganda, but let’s not get lost in academic discussion when we have so much mayhem in front of us.
Metal Eclipse Reviews 