Suffering so you don't have to!
Metalcatto
I’m going to try something new and difficult for once. First, reviewing Dropout Kings’ Yokai, which is the closest we’ve come to covering a completely different music genre. Second, being honest yet respectful, given the irreplaceable human loss the band has recently suffered. So, despite my deep-seated disdain for most Nu-Metal or Hip-Hop, I’m willing to change (unlike your parents!). Let’s dive in—because that cover art promises madness.
Metalcatto
Ursawrath has the kind of name that reminds me of the good old days of the Soviet Union (you know, during the Great Purge and so on). That’s obviously not meant as praise, but it certainly grabbed my attention. Emergence seemed promising to me. It’s been a good year for Thrash—especially for young, hungry bands proving that the most politically subversive of all Metal subgenres is alive and well. Now the real question is whether Ursawrath can break the cycle and offer something truly its own, or if I’m just staring down the barrel of another nostalgia trip I never signed up for. Stay with me and find out.
Metalcatto
It’s been a long time since I felt genuinely excited about a promo. Kayo Dot needs no introduction. Ever since the release of the landmark Choirs of the Eye, the band has made a career out of defying what Metal—and music itself—can be. Even when its ideas go over most of our heads, the promise of uncertainty has always been part of its DNA. Every Rock, Every Half-Truth under Reason continues that legacy. As always, we have no idea where the band is heading next, and for better or worse, my expectations were sky-high. What could possibly go wrong when you’re biased toward weird music, right?
Metalcatto
In many ways, there are two types of metal bands: the ones that want to have fun and Rock n’ Roll, and the ones that want to send you on a reflective and pessimistic trip into the aches of the human condition. If you haven’t figured it out by the beautiful and bleak cover art, Corridoré belongs to the second type. But does Abandon do more than copy Falls of Rauros or Neurosis? You know I have a soft spot for sad Post-Metal, but that doesn’t mean I’m handing out good scores the way Elyna does! I’m much grumpier than that.
Metalcatto
Azure Emote’s Cryptic Aura is what happens when you combine Monstrosity with Eluveitie and Sirenia. If that sounds bizarre to you, you’re not alone. I wasn’t sure what to expect from such an eclectic group of musicians. To be honest, I had little time to overthink it—just got back from vacation, still in a food coma—but I figured this was a worthy shot to give a band some exposure. Whether that turns out good or bad remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: it’ll be honest. Even money can’t change our strong opinions at MER!
Metalcatto
Alright, I’ll tell you something superficial — and I’m not proud of it, but it’s the truth. I had several earlier promos to check out, but I saw Proscription‘s Desolate Divine and its absolutely astonishing cover art and said, “Screw merits and fairness, this thing looks evil!” That kind of aesthetic confidence is hard to resist. Still, you always have to be cautious with artwork that looks too convincing, especially when it comes to Blackened Death Metal. You risk overindulging and ending up sick the whole trip home (which I’m actively trying to avoid during this vacation).
Stargazer Scholar
I like it when bands take their time between records. Longer breaks leave the audience with a fair chance of truly understanding the artist’s vision, while the artists themselves are given plenty of time to evolve and produce their finest work without having to rush it. OK, I know that this view is somewhat idyllic, as it ignores label pressure and other natural constraints, but lo and behold, here’s our case in point. The trajectory of Abigail Williams is exemplary in that regard. As the gaps between the band’s output seem to grow, the music itself is becoming increasingly mature and compelling. We had six years at our disposal to imbibe, dissect and revisit the gripping Walk beyond the Dark, and now here we are with A Void Within Existence, the cover art shocking with its gloomy detachment, the title oozing pain, and the music… Well. let’s explore.
Metalcatto
I’ve seen it all when it comes to band names — from great to terrible — which is why Ancient Torment feels just right. Not too fancy, not too simple. It fits what the band is doing here. It’s not often that a debut sends all the right signals from the start, so I’m expecting something at least decent from Follow the Echo of Curses. And you can’t blame me. How else would I face this job if I didn’t believe in bands? I’d just be another bitter Metal elitist reviewer, I guess — which might make good ragebait. Hmm, maybe I should think about that. Anyway, let’s dive in.
Metalcatto
Ok, you might be wondering. Do we like manga and anime at MER? To which I say: I don’t represent everyone on the crew, but maybe? I’m no Otaku, but I know a Japanese-inspired product when I see it, and Blind Equation’s A Funeral In Purgatory looks exactly like that. My hopes are rather low, but I’m also sick of reviewing music from the worst toilet at the gas station. I could use a breather — or some good old weirdness. Let’s see if this is what I need to keep going on this endless path.
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?
