Lifetaker/Herbsthunde/Van Records/2025 EP Review

 

  Lifetaker  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  plays  a  mixture  of   harcore, black  and  sludge  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  ep  "Herbsthunde"  which  will  be  released  in  May  by  Van  Records.

  A  very  dark  and  heavy  sludge  metal  sound  starts  off  the  ep  while  noises  can  also  be  heard  in  the  background.  Vocals  also  add  in  a  lot  of  angry  hardcore  style  shouts  as  well  as  adding  in  some  black  metal  screams  and  clear  singing  at  times  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  distorted  melodies    

  The  recording  also  has  its  experimental  moments  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  dissonant  touches.  Programmed  beats  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  all  of  the  tracks  stick  to  a  slower  direction,  spoken  word  samples  are  also  briefly.

  Lifetaker  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  hardcore,  noise  rock,  dissonant  black  and  sludge  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  German  and  cover  awareness  and  self-reflection  themes.    

  In  my  opinion  Lifetaker  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  hardcore,  black  and  sludge  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUD  "Totsignal"  and  "Maschinesturm".  8  out  of  10.

  Bandcamp: lifetaker.bandcamp.com

Contact and booking: contact@lifetaker.net

Instagram:  @lifetaker_wrath

Facebook:  /LifetakerPRZR

https://youtu.be/M54F7L2EzsE

Valkenrag/Fury Untamed/Art Of The Night Productions/2025 EP Review

 

  Valkenrag  are  a  band  from  Poland  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  viking,  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  ep  "Fury  Untamed"  which  will  be  released  on  April  25th  by  Art  Of  The  Night  Productions.

  Drum  beats  and  heavy  riffing  starts  off  the  ep  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  adding  in  a  lot  of  melody and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  while  the  songs  also  add  in a   good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  A  lot  of  the  recording  is  also  very  heavily  influenced  by  the  Swedish  style  along  with  some  of  the  faster  riffing  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  one  song  also  adds  in  some  orchestration,  spoken  words  are  also  added  towards  the  end.

  Valkenrag  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  the  melodic  forms  of  viking,  black  and  death  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Norse  and  Slavic  Mythology.  

  In  my  opinion  Valkenrag  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  mixture  of  viking,  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  'Fury  Untamed"  and  "Bleed  To  Be".  8  out  of  10.

  https://youtu.be/kx6e0Toilhs

Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram  

Ancestor Of Kaos Interview

 

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?

Hi and thank you very much We are very satisfied with this album and with the work our label Horror Pain Gore Death is doing. We have been working also with Grand Sound PR and it has helped a lot to get our name out there. Last month we played a show in Las Vegas opening for Belphegor, Arkona and Vale of Pnath and we are preparing a small west coast tour for the summer.

2.Recently you have released a new album, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

Our previous album “Ancestor of Kaos” was made of old songs from our previous 2 albums re recorded in USA with better production and under the new name. We were “Ancestor” from 2005 to 2015 and changed to Ancestor of Kaos after.

3.From 2011 to 2022 there was no music being released, can you tell us a little bit more about what was going on during that time frame?

In 2013 we received an invitation to play in South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas. That was our chance to leave communist Cuba and be free so we took our opportunity and moved to Florida where we were very active playing live shows from 2013 until 2015 when we took a 5 year hiatus and that’s the reason why no new music was released during this time. We started writing the new material in 2020, record it in 2023 and released it in 2025. In the meantime we released the “Ancestor of Kaos” album with re recordings of old songs in 2022.

4.Can you tell us a little bit more about the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?

We write songs about liberty and death, sex and drugs. In the beginning I (Joel - guitar) used to write most of the music and now our drummer Alcides also contributes with the writing process. For us is very important to make songs below 4 minutes and to be as dynamic and direct as we can, the main goal is keeping the listener entertained and engaged.

5.On earlier releases you also covered some satanic and Anti Christian themes, can you tell us a little bit more about this interest?

In the beginning of the band I was 22 years old and I used to write mostly about religion from a historic perspective. Now I’m 42 and real live is a bigger inspiration, our personal experiences have been more brutal than any fairy tale. 

6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?

The artwork was done by Belial NecroArts and we were very happy with how it came out. Actually we had a different art before but we thought it didn’t represent the music as well so we changed it. There are a lot of details in the painting that can be found inside the lyrics, it’s an original Sakura style painting that you can almost hear.

7.Originally the band was from Cuba, how would you compare the underground metal scene from your home country to the United States?

In Cuba the scene is permitted and controlled by the communist state, every venue and audio equipment belongs to state run agencies with the intention of controlling every art movement. It’s a disgrace that cripples the authenticity of the artist and under those circumstances any expression or work of art is incomplete. The biggest reward we have received is to be able to play Metal in freedom here in USA.

8.Out of all the shows and tours the band has done so far, which one stands out the most?

We played a very special headliner show in Miami last year and playing there is like playing in Cuba because that’s were most people go to live after exiled from the island. We will never play in Cuba again until the regime falls so for that reason that show was very special because there were like 200 people in the audience with more than half of them Cubans.

9.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?

Yes we want to start a west coast tour in the summer around California and probably another festival in Tampa, Florida in November.

10.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of underground metal?

Our intention is to put Cuba in the map when it comes to Metal music, step by step. We’ve seen our numbers getting bigger since our comeback and it’s gratifying every time more people find us.

11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

Black Metal is more than just music, is a feeling that makes the creating process more authentic than any other genre in my opinion, the possibilities are endless and there are no boundaries. We see ourselves playing on stage until we die.

12.What are some of  the bands or musical styles the band members are currently listening to nowadays?

We listen to a lot of music not only metal but also jazz, electronic and traditional afro Cuban music. We take our influences from Mayhem to Al Di Meola, from Slayer to Irakere, from Bjork to Napalm Death. If it’s good and has a rhythmic groove we are instantly hooked. 

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Once again thank you very much and please follow us on our socials and music platforms and please share this interview, it helps more than you can imagine. Cheers! /Joel 

https://www.facebook.com/Ancestorofkaos/
https://ancestorofkaos.bandcamp.com/music
https://www.youtube.com/@ancestorofkaos
https://open.spotify.com/artist/57B5CRC1kkravkNU1u8pTn

Maesitia/Hate Of Sorrow/Via Nocturna/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Maesitia  are  a  band  from  France  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  with  elements  of  thrash  and  traditional  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Hate  Of  Sorrow"  which  will  be  released  on  April  18th  by  Via  Nocturna.

  Keyboards  start  off  the  album  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  album  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  blast  beats.  Elements  of  thrash  metal  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  more  of  a  melodic  traditional  metal  direction.

  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Clean  playing  is  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  album  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them,  spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  at  times  the  music  also  gets  very  progressive  sounding.

  Maesitia  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  the  melodic  forms  of  black  and  death  metal  and  mixes  them  together  with  some  touches  of  thrash,  progressive  and  traditional  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness,  death  and  sorrow  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Maesitia  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Hatred  In  My  Soul"  "Steal  Your  Death"  and  "Flood  Of  Tears".  8  out  of  10.

  Facebook | Bandcamp

      

RawMoor/En Route/WormHoleDeath Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  RawMoor  are  a  duo  from  Finland  that  plays  a  very  melodic  and  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "En  Route"  which  will  be  released  in  may  by  WormHoleDeath  Records.

  Keyboards  and  symphonic  orchestration  starts  off  the  album  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  on  a  few  tracks  along  with  the  harsh  vocals  being  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls.

  Most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  Clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  album  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  one  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  choir  vocals,  acoustic  guitars  are  also  added  towards  the  end.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  treachery,  betrayal,  critiques  on  left  wing  ideology,  anti-religion  and  pro  freedom  themes. 

  In  my  opinion  RawMoor  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  and  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Frostglade"  and  "Pine  Branches".  8  out  of  10.

  www.youtube.com/channel/UCv5TPiRLJo-OHOaxl5p3b1g

rawmoor.bandcamp.com

   

    

Khôra/Ananke/Les Acteurs de L'Ombre Productions/2025 Full Length Review

 

   Khôra  are  an  international  band  with  embers  from  Germany  and  Ireland  that  plays  a  very  progressive  and  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Ananke"  which  will  be  released  in  may  by  Les  Acteurs  de  L'Ombre  Productions.

  A  very  dark  orchestrated  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  also  adding  in  symphonic  elements  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  along  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  growls  can  also  be  heard  at   times.  Clear  vocals  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  Clean  playing  is  also  added  on  some  of  the  tracks  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  Spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  briefly  as  well  the  album  also  having  its  progressive  moments,  choirs  are  also  introduced  on  a  later  song.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  cosmic  and  philosophical  themes.

  In  my  opinion   Khôra  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  and  progressive  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Legion  of  The  Moirai"  "Arcane  Creation"  and  "Crowned".  8  out  of  10.

  Facebook // Youtube

  

Valhalore Interview

 

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?

Firstly, thanks for having us! Since finishing Beyond the Stars mid-2021, we have been fortunate to support a number of amazing bands across Australia: Alestorm in 2022, Arch Enemy in 2023, Blind Guardian in 2024, and Hammerfall in 2025. We have also signed with ROAR, a division of Reigning Phoenix Music, and released Beyond the Stars through them a few days ago. The band is keeping very busy preparing for our Australian tour in May in support of Beyond the Stars, and we are looking to tour overseas toward the end of 2025.

2.Recently you have released a new album, musically how does it differ form the stuff you have released in the past?

Voyage into Eternity, our first album, was written well before the band was formed, so it was more of a studio project that had many ideas and experimentations. With Beyond the Stars, it was a much more collaborative approach to the music, and we really leaned into our own ‘sound’ this time with what came out naturally, rather than trying to sound like other bands.

3.This is also your first album in 8 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what was going on during that time frame?

Sure! So we did a few Australian main support runs, and had to take some time to really organise the release of Beyond the Stars. The label process can take some time, and this in particular took around 2 years to come to fruition. If not for the pandemic, this album would have come out a lot sooner, but fortunately there are many songs and ideas already written for our third album. We do not want another 8 years to wait for our next release!

4. lot of your lyrics cover Vikings and paganism themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these topics?

On Voyage into Eternity there is a lot of these themes. On Beyond the Stars, we strayed from the Viking theme and focused on what resonated with us at the time: exactly what makes us who we are? Beyond the Stars deals with the highs and lows of the human experience and ultimately dares to answer what happens after we pass on. Do we become nothing or do we become something far greater? These topics resonate a lot more with us nowadays as opposed to ‘literal’ topics we have sung about on Voyage into Eternity.

5.What are some of the other lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?

‘The Storm’ for example, deals with the following: "Being a musician (or just a human, really) is a constant battle with self-doubt, depression, and inner demons. This all became even more prominent during the pandemic when everything you’ve spent your life working towards seemed to disappear overnight. ‘The Storm’ asks the questions; will you give up and succumb to the inner darkness, or will you rise above?" We feel that this is a topic that resonates with us and many people these days, and is an important topic to bring to the foreground.

6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Valhalore'?

“Valhalore” came about around 2014 – being a portmanteau of the words ‘Valhalla’ and ‘folklore’. It was a combination of words that we thought sounded cool, so it stuck!

7.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover/

Certainly. The artwork demonstrates a person or figure who has passed on and is becoming ‘greater’ than themselves by expanding through space and time. The song ‘A Walk Among the Stars’ deals with this concept and theme.

8.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

One of our most memorable shows would be when we played Melbourne with Arch Enemy in 2023. The venue was called The Forum and it was an absolutely beautiful space; it was a pleasure to play there. Our Japan tour in 2018 with Ensiferum, Wind Rose, and Trollfest was also very memorable. Our stage show, we like to say, is a high energy and emotional experience. Our aim is to take listeners on an amazing journey, full of aggression, dynamics, and fun!

9.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album/

Yes – we are touring Beyond the Stars in our home country of Australia in May 2025, and hope to tour Beyond the Stars overseas later in the year.

10.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your newer music by fans of viking and folk metal?

We have been inundated with support for Beyond the Stars across the globe. Currently, the album has already had 100,000 total plays on Spotify in just a few days. We also have received a lot of genuine and amazing feedback showing love for the album. Many people have said the long wait has been totally worth it, which is so awesome to hear!

11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

We deal with many dark themes on Beyond the Stars. Considering the new material that’s currently written, I can see the band heading into a darker direction in the future.

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles the band members are listening to nowadays?

Overall for the band: melodic death, power, prog, symphonic, folk, core, rock, and atmospheric are some of the genres we all like to listen to!

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Thanks for having me! We really appreciate you taking the time to ask us these questions and support Valhalore and Beyond the Stars. We hope you love the album just as much as we loved making it, and we hope to perform for you wherever you are reading this from very soon!

Anthony

https://www.valhalore.com
https://www.facebook.com/valhalore
https://www.instagram.com/valhalore