USA – Page 8 – Metal Eclipse Reviews

Exiled Hope – Apocrypha

Vicky

I get that Burzum, Darkthrone, and Mayhem are considered to be the best Black metal bands, but can we agree to disagree? There are people (much like myself) who prefer Doom, Atmospheric, or Gothic Black Metal, and they probably won’t agree with those who think the style doesn’t go farther than those aforementioned bands. As a matter of fact, I want to tell you more about the latest album released by the Black Metal project Exiled Hope, Apocrypha—you can thank me later for helping you discover this hidden gem of dark music. First thing’s first, Apocrypha is Exiled Hope’s third full-length album, a follow-up to the band’s previous LPs, Exiled Hope (2020), and Angel of Greytown (2021). So this band plays Black Metal, but here’s the twist: it’s a US-based one-man band—or should I say, a one-woman band—founded by Sofia Frasz, also known for her work with the bands Figures and Stygal.

Kiritsis-Kiritsis

Pegah

Kiritsis (meaning “small master” in Greek) is a U.S.-based band that thrives at the volatile crossroads of Doom, Sludge, and Hardcore. Their sound is defined by harsh, shouted vocals, crushing low-end guitars, and a raw, unrelenting emotional intensity that mirrors the gravity of their themes. That tension isn’t just audible—it’s woven into the album’s visuals and symbolism. The cover features a stark, medieval-style etching: a crowned figure seated on a throne, confronted by a peasant or servant raising a hand (and possibly a weapon). This imagery reflects the infamous Tony Kiritsis hostage situation, which the band explicitly references. It’s a symbolic clash of power and desperation, of the oppressed seizing control by force—a perfect visual prelude to the chaos that erupts in the music.

Allegaeon -The Ossuary Lens

Stargazer Scholar

Allegaeon is a daunting band. No, the musicians don’t wear corpsepaint, and no, they don’t employ spooky dissonant chords to ward off the casual listener. It’s just that their discography is so amazingly solid. One may prefer certain records to the others, but come on—none of those albums is anything less than highly enjoyable. So imagine the feelings that tormented me during the anticipation of The Ossuary Lens: Will this unlikely career-long run of form continue, or will the band finally allow itself a misstep? Well, no spoilers—you’ll have to read the whole thing.

Kardashev – Alunea

Let me say this over and over: One of the most underrated albums of this decade so far is Liminal Rite. Kardashev proved it could dominate almost every flavor of extreme Metal with that record, so you can imagine how utterly frozen I was when I got the promo for Alunea. I didn’t just play it—I threw myself into it, waiting for greatness with expectations so monstrous it’d make most bands collapse under the pressure. But here’s the kicker: I refused to believe this project could disappoint. Kardashev has already mastered its own strain of Progressive Metal—a sound so distinct it gives it license to take risks no other band could survive. Now, the only question left was: Would it work?

Deafheaven – Lonely People With Power

Few bands elicit as many passionate discussions as Deafheaven. They stand as the ultimate hipster black metal band – that distinctly warm Californian/edgy interpretation of the traditionally depressive Nordic formula. To these ears, it’s crafted exactly one perfect 5.0/5.0 album (Sunbather). However, ever since New Bermuda, I’ve gradually fallen out of love with its evolving sound. This isn’t to say its subsequent work was bad – it simply never recaptured those genre-defining heights that initially made them so revolutionary. So it was with minimal expectations that I approached Lonely People With Power a title so quintessentially Deafheaven it almost hurts), steeling myself primarily against disappointment.

Warbringer – Wrath and Ruin

Stargazer Scholar

Thrash Metal is important. Few other subgenres of heavy music could boast the same historical significance, and it is undoubtedly Thrash Metal that we have to thank for all things Black Metal, Death Metal, and extreme Metal. Thrash metal is overcrowded. Let’s face it, since the pioneers of the eighties and early nineties gave way to multitudes upon multitudes of nostalgic acts, the highest achievements of the movement came from its fusion with other subgenres like Prog or Groove.

Dissocia – To Lift The Veil

Vicky

I’m just curious—does anyone remember Cancer? No, not the gut-wrenching illness, but the far less awful (and actually pleasant) band. I’m counting on the fact that you probably do… and I’m also counting on you at least politely nodding while reading this article before searching Encyclopaedia Metallum to find out what the deal with Cancer is. Now that you’ve returned, I can mention why I brought up those Death Metal titans: the group’s drummer, Gabriel Valcázar, is a member of Dissocia. Of course, he isn’t the only one. Dissocia also features vocalist, guitarist, bassist, and synthesist Daniel R. Flys, known for his work with Persefone, Eternal Storm, and others. On the epilogue, “Out of Slumber”, you may even hear the skilled violinist Paul R. Flys.

Severed Angel – When Eternity Ends

The other writers at MER Industries will have you believing that I’m all about Power Metal and old-fashioned Prog Metal, despite evidence like this and this to prove otherwise. However, I’ll admit it’s fun to joke about those styles. That said, sometimes a band comes along that makes me question my prejudices and encourages me to be more open-minded. Such is the case with Severed Angel’s When Eternity Ends. An album that promises traditional Prog Metal without making me feel like I’m betraying my Metalhead roots—but does it deliver? Stay with me!

Serpent Rider – The Ichor Of Chimaera

It’s been a week full of high-profile releases. So much so that sometimes you lose perspective of what really matters—fami, the underground releases that, with sweat and tears, are trying to give us something different in this valley of darkness we call the world. Serpent Rider might have an angry name, The Ichor of Chimaera might have Black Metal-style art, but that doesn’t mean it can’t surprise us. In fact, I’d bet this is going to punch us all in the liver unexpectedly.

Dessiderium – Keys to the Palace

Vicky

I have to mention that I’ve listened to this album about twenty times in the past week or so, which means that I’ve had time to view it from various different angles. The first thing you may notice is the album cover, which resembles something you might see in The Lord of the Rings. However, you probably understand from the beginning that we are talking about something that Frodo Baggins probably wouldn’t listen to on his way to Mordor.