USA – Page 6 – Metal Eclipse Reviews

Ancient Torment – Follow the Echo of Curses

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.

Blind Equation – A Funeral In Purgatory

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.

Imperialist – Prime

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?

Bear Mace – Slaves of the Wolf

Ixone

And so it is that I once again find myself venturing into partially foreign musical territory. Not entirely unfamiliar, but just enough outside my usual comfort zone that I initially put off diving into this record—until my conscience kicked in and dragged me back. That brings us to Slaves of the Wolf, the latest album by American band Bear Mace.

Oskoreien – Hollow Fangs

Metalcatto

It’s been a while since we’ve had some Post-Black Metal in our hands. You know how it goes with these types of albums: they either end up on a best-of-the-year list or fade into oblivion. There’s rarely anything in between. However, Oskoreien is a band that, despite having few releases, has been around for a while, which is why I approached Hollow Fangs with a decent amount of respect—and even a little hope. Besides, I kind of dig that dragon artwork (no, the dragon doesn’t look goofy—it’s art!). Now, let’s start throwing down.

Fer de Lance – Fires on the Mountainside

Elyna Kahn

Have you ever noticed that when a band releases an album and describes it in terms of music, lyrics, production, and so on, what you end up hearing isn’t always what you were told to expect? Well, that didn’t happen to me with Fer de Lance, an epic Heavy Metal band from Chicago. Their second album, Fires on the Mountainside, arrived in my inbox a while back with a description that went something like this: “This new work promises an immersive experience where epic heavy/power metal intertwines with doom-like overtones and black metal atmospheres, taking the listener through landscapes of mythology, revolution, and darkness. Far from sounding generic, Fer de Lance embraces a bold identity that pays homage to ’90s metal while forging their own path, guiding the bravest listeners toward unforgettable sonic adventures.”

Rotgut – 24 oz Cantrip

Ixone

As someone who routinely defrosts halfway through a thrasher during summer, what could be more up my alley than a Blackened Thrash/Speed Metal record about drinking? Absolutely nothing. Rotgut’s very suggestively titled 24 oz Cantrip EP, which reeks of hangover from the album cover alone, delivers an infectious, high-energy sound that’s perfect for a burning June day. That said, be prepared for a whirlwind of chaos.

The Biscuit Merchant – Tempora

Metalcatto

Sometimes a project crawls out of the pit and dares to challenge us—the filthy snobs who sit around eating chips while we laugh and judge the hard work of real artists. The Biscuit Merchant might have the least intimidating name in Metal (are you a scout selling cookies?), but this Prog/Death Metal project comes swinging with all sorts of quirky moves. Also, the creator of Tempora came recommended by a friend (Am I in Trouble?), and remember: connections are more important than talent or hard work. Sorry, kids! So let’s get into it.

Byzantine – Harbingers

Metalcatto

Byzantine has been going at it for a long time now. Saying that the band has carved its own Prog/Groove/Radio Rock style is one way I can think to compliment its work. So here we have Harbingers. a title that seems to represent the struggles of the parent of an average one-year-old, but I’m sure the album has nothing to do with parenthood sadly (that’d be a bold move in Metal!), and more about something deep and philosophical. Anyway, let’s see what the veterans have for us.

Dolven – In My Grave…Silence

Metalcatto

It’s time for a break—and by that, I mean Metal isn’t always just harshness. It’s a state of mind. Dolven isn’t our usual cup of tea, but I’m kind of tired of people shouting and growling at me, so why not check out In My Grave…Silence, an album that has one of the most sorrowful clean vibes we’ve heard this year (It’s acoustic Doom!). Besides, I love that kind of medieval art. Don’t you?