Suffering so you don't have to!
Metalcatto
The year is almost over. I’m led to believe that the best of the year has passed, that the only thing left is the struggle of picking the best albums this so, so year produced. Yet, a project with an unsurprising name comes in. Weft’s The Splinter Oar reached me with no expectations. I literally picked the album in a rush before leaving home to use it as a soundtrack for my journey to the coal mine. With this little information, we can jump right in!
Metalcatto
We’re back with another post where we give some harsh truths to our patrons and supporters. This time, we have an album that’s coming out in 2026, so we’re starting early with the dreadful year ahead. The Promise of Plague hits us with The Earth Above, A Grave Beneath. I must say, that’s a catchy title—there’s rhythm to it—but defining what Metal style the band plays became more enigmatic than the title itself. “This all sounds promising, Catto, why do you keep me waiting in line?” Because you didn’t bribe me to cut ahead, of course. Anyway, let’s get into it.
Metalcatto
Did you think we were done reviewing new stuff this year? Well no! There are still many albums coming out left and right to the point I’m going to need to hire an assistant just to handle my mails (it’d make me feel so important!). Anyway Lust of Decay is an old-school Death Metal band, I know what you’re thinking, “another one? ok…”, but you see Entombed in Sewage is trying to give you an urban take on the old ways, and that’s not so common, right? Besides, this is practically a comeback album and I have a soft spot for those. Let’s begin.
Metalcatto
Welcome to the newest section of the blog, where those who patreon/contribute to the site (see options below) get our most honest feedback possible. This is still a review, but it’s also aimed at telling the band what works—and what needs improvement.
Metalcatto
It’s so frustrating when I get a promo in my mailbox but simply don’t have enough days to review it before it’s out. Anyway, many of our followers have already given their takes on this album. Full disclosure: I had no clue who Lamp of Murmuur was or why so many nerds were hyped about The Dreaming Prince in Ecstasy. And if I’m even more honest, this year’s pure Black Metal hasn’t impressed me much. But that doesn’t mean we can’t dream, right? I’m ready to be converted into something else.
Metalcatto
It’s been a week full of emotionally draining releases, so I thought: fine, I’ll give something more uplifting a chance for once. Sacred Leather couldn’t have a name more Judas Priest-inspired. The album is even named Keep The Fire Burning — like there’s no way this music isn’t going to take me to a happy place, you know, where ice cream is free and taxes aren’t a necessary evil. Anyway, what should you expect from this Heavy Metal adventure?
Vicky
I won’t tell you about a certain deal I made with Catto a while ago, regarding Major Arcana.
Metalcatto
At MER, I make a lot of office jokes — which is ironic, because I’ve never had a conventional office job. However, holding Zoom lectures was definitely a thing in my past. So, when I got Double Mute’s satirical and Avant-Garde take on this dreadful existence, I couldn’t let it pass. Corporate Culture_FINAL_v might not win “coolest title of the year,” but that’s probably part of the joke. If you’re ready for something extremely weird that’ll defy your conception of Metal, then buckle up — this meeting is about to start.
Metalcatto
When a band sends me an album in either physical or FLAC format, they can be sure I’ll eventually get to their request. Even if it’s late, it’s good to judge a work the way it’s supposed to be heard — not through some cheap MP3-only stream files (big labels still do this…). So, Bastard Cröss sent the actual digital copy of their work, which is why this Black/Thrash album, Crossripper, is getting the royal treatment today. That doesn’t mean a merciful review, just saying. Let’s start.
Metalcatto
Anyone who’s been following this blog since its start might remember our fan-requested retro-review of Primitive Man’s Scorn. Even more than a decade later, the band remains one of the most brutal, heavy, and grotesque forces in Doom/Sludge Metal. Before diving into Observance, I’d genuinely recommend you to hold on tight — especially if a) you’re already severely depressed, or b) you’ve recently killed your goldfish out of neglect. Expectations are high, but let’s see if, for once, that makes sense with what we’ve got here!
Metal Eclipse Reviews 