USA – Metal Eclipse Reviews

Negative Agent – Terminal Days

Metalcatto

Sometimes, I get to review the weirdest things, and by that, I mean something like Negative Agent’s Terminal Days—an Industrial Metal album steeped in Cyberpunk aesthetics and antifascist politics. This is genuinely underground material, but it arrived with a strong personal recommendation from musicians whom we deeply respect here at MER. Trusting that instinct, I decided to give this electronic assault a fair chance, even though it checks almost none of the boxes on my usual stylistic checklist. There are moments when one simply craves to be surprised, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity.

Megadeth – Megadeth

Metalcatto

There’s a level of tragedy to this review. Despite how much we all love to pick on Megadeth, and especially on Dave Mustaine for all his public antics and tumultuous history, he’s our weird, cantankerous uncle in the metal family. Seeing the band seemingly ready to leave the gloves on the ring is a genuinely sad moment. I’m a realist; there is absolutely no way Megadeth is ever going to top the holy trinity of Rust in Peace, Countdown to Extinction, or even Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying? But here we are, collectively not quite ready to let the old guys ride peacefully into the sunset with their millions. So, let’s not pull any punches in discussing one of the most iconic acts in our little, utterly insignificant metal world.

Blackwater Drowning – Obscure Sorrows

Metalcatto

It’s time to review a band I have no prior knowledge about—a statement that, for a reviewer, borders on the embarrassing. Lucky for you, I have very little shame left. Blackwater Drowning (a wonderfully evocative name) arrives with their album Obscure Sorrows, and to be fair, the proposal is at least intriguingly enigmatic. So, let’s see if this album can rescue me from the near-permanent state of critical numbness that sets in after doing this for more years than I’d care to admit. Enough professional bitterness, however; let’s try to approach this with an open mind and see if we can find some genuine cheer in the music.

Greyhawk – Warriors of Greyhawk

Metalcatto

Explosions! Unicorns! Dragons! Now that I have your power metal attention, I should talk to you about Greyhawk‘s new album, Warriors of the Greyhawk. I assume they’re talking about themselves with this title. I’ll do my absolute best to give these guys a fair chance, despite my eternal disdain for anything that is remotely corny or happy. A reviewer needs to keep evolving; otherwise, we just become bitter old people like most. So, let’s start this riff extravaganza.

Weft – The Splinter Oar

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!

The Feedback Forge: The Promise Of Plague – The Earth Above, A Grave Beneath

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.

Lust Of Decay – Entombed In Sewage

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.

The Feedback Forge: Then We Died – Broken Skull Opera

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.

Lamp of Murmuur – The Dreaming Prince in Ecstasy

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.

Sacred Leather – Keep The Fire Burning

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?