Chestcrush/ ΨΥΧΟΒΓΑΛΤΗΣ/2025 Full Length Review

 

  United  Kingdom's  Chestcrush  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  mixture  of    black,  sludge,  death  metal  and  grindcore  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2025  album  "ΨΥΧΟΒΓΑΛΤΗΣ"  which  will  be  released  in  April.

  Distorted  voices  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  the  heaviness  of  sludge  emtal.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  brutal  blast  beats  and  grindcore  elements  can  also  be  heard  and  the  vocals  also  add  in  a  lot  of  death  metal  growls.

  Black  metal  screams  can  also  be  heard  at  times  while  tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard  in  the  faster  riffing.  The  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  one  song  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  samples as  well  as  some  of  the  riffing  also  bringing  in  a  small  amount  of  melody.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  finally  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  chaotic  style  and  the  whole  album  also  sticks  to  a  very  heavy  and  brutal  direction  as  well  as  one  song  also  being  a  Crowbar  cover.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  death,  gore  and  violence  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Chestcrush  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  brutal  blackened  death  metal  with  a  touch  of  sludge  metal  and  grindcore,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Underneath  This  Rotten  Soil  Bodies  Are  Still  Bleeding"  "Existence  Is  Punishment"{  and  "As  The  Damned  Writhe  In  Eternal  Woe".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/chestcrushband    

Act Of Impalement/Profane Altar/Caligari Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Nashville,  Tennessee's  Act  Of  Impalement  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  blackened  mixture  of  sludge,  doom  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Profane  Altar"  which  will  be  released  on  February  28th  by  Caligari  Records.

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  elements  of  sludge  and  doom  metal.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  vocals  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  death  metal  growls.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  while  black  metal  screams  can  also b e  heard  at  times.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilzied  they  also  bring  in  more  of  a  90's  death  metal  style  along  with  some  tremolo  picking  also  being  added  into  some  of  the  faster  riffing.

  Dark  sounding  melodies  are  also added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffs  along  with  the  mid  tempo  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  touches  of  crust  and  d  beat  and  throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  the  whole  album  also  sticks  to  a  heavier  direction.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism  and  History  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Act  Of  Impalement  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  sludge,  doom  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Apparition"  "Deities  Of  The  Weak"  and  "Profane  Altar".  8  out  of  10.

  https://caligarirecords.bandcamp.com/album/profane-altar

www.facebook.com/actoofimpalement         

Ter Ziele/Embodiment Of Death/Tararus Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Ter  Ziele  are  a  band  from  the  Netherlands  that  plays  a  mixture  of  post  black,  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Embodiment  Of  Death"  which  will  be  released  in  February  by  Tartarus  Records.

  A  synth  orientated  intro  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  elements  of  sludge  and  doom  metal.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  vocals  being a   mixture  of  blackened  metal  screams  and  growls.

  Most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  some  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing.  When  guitar  leads  are  utilized  they  also  bring  in  more  of  a  post  metal  style   along  with  the  music  also  having  its  atmospheric  moments  and  when  the  music  finally  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard.

  

  Ter  Ziele  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  post  black,  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  haunting  side  of  the  human  condition.  

  In  my  opinion  Ter  Ziele  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  post  black,  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Separation    Of  Body  And  Soul"  and  "This  Mortal  Coil".  8  out  of  10.

  Bandcamp: https://terzieledoom.bandcamp.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TERZIELEDOOM

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ter_ziele  

Mantar/Post Apocalyptic Depression/Metal Blade Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Mantar  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  moves  away  from  the  blackened  style  of  sludge  metal  of  previous  releases  and  goes  into  more  of  a  blackened  death  punk  direction  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Post  Apocalyptic  Depression"  which  will  be  released  in  February  by  metal  Blade  Records.

  A  very  distorted  sound  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  and  melodic  direction  while  also  capturing  the  energy  of  punk  rock.  Elements  of  black'n'roll  can  also b e  heard  at  times  along  with  the  vocals  also  adding  in  more  of  a  rough  yet  aggressive  style  and  the  solos  and  leads  bring  in  more  of  a  metal/punk  style.  

  Clear  singing  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  album  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  A  lot  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  short  in  length  along  with  some  songs  also  adding  in  back  up  shouts  as  well  as  some  guitar  leads  also  being  utilized  at  times,  spoken  words  can  also  be  briefly.  One  song  also  adds  in  more  of  a  traditional  hardcore  punk  style  of  vocals  and  when  the  music  finally  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  van  also  be  heard..

  On  this  recording  Mantar  drops  the  sludge  metal  elements  of  previous  releases  and  goes  for  more  of  a  mixture  of  black'n'roll  and  death  punk.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  mass  hysteria  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Mantar  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  blackened  death  punk,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Absolute  Ghost"  "Dogman  Down"  "Church  Of  Suck"  and  "Cosmic  Abortion".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.mantarband.com 

https://www.facebook.com/MantarBand 

https://www.instagram.com/mantarband 

Throne/Ossarium/Dusktone/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Throne  are  a  band  from  Italy  that  plays  a  blackened  form  of  sludge  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Ossarium"  which  will b e  released  in  February  by  Dusktone.

  A  very  dark  and  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  heavier  sludge  metal  riffing  a  few  seconds  later.  Vocals  are  mostly  growls  mixed  in  with  a  few  blackened  metal  screams  while  some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  some  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Some  of  the  riffing  also  adds  in  a  touch  of  stoner  metal,  whispered  vocals  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  most  of  the  album  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction.

  Throne  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black  and  sludge  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  mythology  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Throne  are  a  very  great  sounding  blackened  sludge  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Morrigan"  and  "The  All  Father".  8  out  of  10.

 https://youtu.be/ALvBwTlMWMw

Shrykull/Beyond Subconscious Realms/Road To Masochist/Eggy Tapes/2024 Full Length Review

 

   Shrykull  are  a  duo  from  the  United  Kingdom  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  death  metal  and  grindcore  with  elements  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "Beyond  Subconscious  Realms"  which  was  released  as  a  joint  effort  between  Road  To  Masochist  and  Eggy  Tapes.

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking,  blast  beats  and  grindcore  elements  can  be  heard  and  the  vocals  are  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls.

  Dark  sounding  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Shouts  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  the  album  also  having  its  brutal  moments,  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are finally  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  chaotic  style as  well as  the  slower  sections  of  the  recording  mixing  in  touches  of  sludge  and  doom  metal, synths  and  harsh  noises  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

  On  this  recording  Shrykull  takes  black,  sludge,  doom,  death  metal  and  grindcore  and  mixes  them  together  to  a  very  heavy  album.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  horror  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  Shrykull  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  sludge,  doom,  death  metal  and  grindcore,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Blocking  The  Kingdom  Of  Infinite  State"  "Gateway  Of  Nightmares"  "Chaotic  Disforms  Of  Cosmic  Misalignment"  and  "Collective  Fugue  State".  8  out  of  10.

  

https://www.facebook.com/shrykull

https://youtu.be/BI12FJVn6oU

Ghost Hollow/Examinations Of The Heart/2025 Full length Review

 

  Ghost  Hollow  are  a  band  from  Arkansas  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  sludge,  doom,  death  metal  and  hardcore  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2025  album  "Examinations  Of  The  Heart"  which  will  be  released  in  February.

  A  very  distorted  sound  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and  heavy  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams  while  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  elements  of  doom  and  sludge  metal.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  parts  of  the  album  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody,  at  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  as  well  as  the  mid  tempo  sections  also  adding  in  touches  of  hardcore.

  On  this  recording  Ghost  Hallow  takes  black,  sludge,  doom,  death  metal  and  hardcore  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  very  diverse  album.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  anguish,  introspection  and  catharsis.  

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  Ghost  Hollow  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  sludge,  doom,  death  metal  and  hardcore,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Formless  Apparitions"  "Lay  Down  The  Sword"  and  "Examinations  Of  The  Heart".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/GhostHollowAR

https://www.instagram.com/ghosthollowar/

https://ghosthollow.bandcamp.com/

https://linktr.ee/ghosthollowar

    

Norilisk/Antipole/Hypnotic Dirge Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Quebec,  Canada's  Norilisk  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  mixture  of  black,  sludge,  doom  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Antipole"  which  will  be  released  in  February  by  Hypnotic  Dirge  Records.

  A  very  slow,  dark  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  which  also  brings  in  elements  of  sludge  and  doom  metal.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  post  metal  style  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  blackened  metal  screams  while  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.  Spoken  words  and  whispers  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  album  along  with  some  of  the  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing,  some  of  the  songs  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  the  whole  album  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction,  clear  vocals  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

  On  this  recording  Norilisk  remain  true  to  the  mixture  of  black,  sludge,  doom  and  post  metal  that  they  have  established  on  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  French  and  cover  the  concept  of  duality.  

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Norilisk  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  sludge,  doom  and  post  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Antipole"  "Nunataks"  and  "Un  chant  pour  les  morts".  8  out  of  10.

   https://hypnoticdirgerecords.bandcamp.com/album/antipole

  

Greh Interview

 

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

Gjero: Since recording "Dysphoric Devotion," we've been busy rehearsing, refining our live show, and preparing for the album release in January. We're incredibly excited to finally share this music with the world and can't wait to see the reaction.

 

2. You have your first full-length coming out in 2025. Musically, how does it differ from your previous EPs?

"Dysphoric Devotion" builds on the foundation laid down by our debut EP "Reversion of the Repressed." While the EP showcased our blend of black and death metal with doom elements, the new album delves deeper into this sonic territory. We've incorporated more atmospheric passages to create a more immersive listening experience, while still retaining the raw aggression and intensity that defines our sound.

 

3. What are some of the lyrical themes and subjects the band explores with the newer music?

The lyrics on "Dysphoric Devotion" explore themes of despair, alienation, and the struggle to find meaning in a world filled with darkness. We delve into the human condition, confronting the abysses within ourselves and the external forces that threaten to consume us. There's also an undercurrent of hope and resilience that shines through the bleakness.

 

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'GREH'?

The name GREH is a play on the word "greh," which carries connotations of grief, sorrow, and despair in some Slavic languages. We felt this name encapsulated the emotional weight of our music and the themes we explore.

 

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

The artwork for "Dysphoric Devotion" is a visual representation of the album's themes. It's a dark and evocative piece that reflects the emotional turmoil and existential struggle explored in the music. We don't want to reveal too much, but we hope it will resonate with listeners and draw them deeper into the world of the album.

 

6. Originally the band started out as a solo project, what was the decision behind expanding into a full band?

GREH began as a solo project to explore my musical vision. However, after recording the "Reversion of the Repressed" EP, I felt the potential for the project could be fully realized with a full band. Bringing Maurice and Martin on board allowed us to develop a more dynamic and powerful sound in our live performances and on this new album. 

Martin, our vocalist. He has a rich musical history and has played in various bands before joining GREH. His vocal abilities are second to none and he brings a depth and complexity to our music that makes it truly unique.

Mauirice, our drummer. He is the heart of our band and keeps us all in time. His energy and commitment is infectious and he always puts 100% into every rehearsal and every gig.

And I am the lead guitarist of the band. I have a deep passion for metal and have always dreamed of playing in a band that plays this type of music.

We all came to GREH through our shared love of music and our desire to create something unique and meaningful. It was a natural progression and we are proud of what we have achieved so far and look forward to what the future holds.

7. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage presence?

We've had some great shows so far, but a few that stand out include our performance with Hexis, and our set headlining alongside Coldspine, Dornen, Tristis, and Tourin Horse. Our stage presence is intense and energetic. We strive to create a consuming atmosphere that reflects the aggression and despair of our music.

 

8. Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?

Absolutely! We're currently booking shows for 2025 in support of "Dysphoric Devotion." We're eager to unleash the new album live and connect with fans on the road. We'll announce the tour dates as soon as they're finalized, so stay tuned!

 

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

The response to our music has been overwhelmingly positive. We've been fortunate to connect with fans of underground metal from all over the world. It's been incredibly rewarding to see our music resonate with listeners on a global scale.

 

10. Are any of the band members currently involved with any other bands or musical projects these days?

We're all entirely focused on GREH at the moment. This band is our primary creative outlet, and we're pouring all of our energy into making it a success.  Maurice Müller is still active as drummer in HARD STRIKE and MILAN, and Martin Kocula is active as singer and guitarist in GRAU.

 

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

We're constantly looking to evolve and push our sound forward. While "Dysphoric Devotion" represents a significant step in our musical development, we see it as just the beginning. We're excited to experiment and explore new sonic territories in future releases.

 

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

Our musical influences are wide-ranging. We draw inspiration from classic black metal bands like Bathory and Darkthrone, as well as death metal innovators. But our inspiration goes beyond the genre. We are also influenced by bands outside of metal that have shown us how to bring emotional depth and musical complexity to our songs. Ultimately, our music is the result of all these influences and our own unique vision. We are proud to follow in the footsteps of these great bands while forging our own path.

https://linktr.ee/greh

Greh/Dysphoric Devotion/Fetzner Death Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Greh  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  sludge,  doom  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  album  "Dysphoric  Devotion"  which  will  be  released  in  2025  by  Fetzner  Death  Records.

  Dark  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  elements  of  sludge  and  doom  metal.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  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  album  also  has  its  atmospheric  and  dissonant  moments.  Grooves  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  mid  tempo  guitar  riffing  along  with  a  couple  of  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  synths  are  also  added  towards  the  end

  Greh  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black,  sludge,  doom  and  death  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  suffering  of  human  existence.

  In  my  opinion  Greh  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black,  sludge,  doom  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Chained  Thoughts"  "All  Flesh  Decays"  and  "Enter  my  Oblivion".  8  out  of  10.

   https://grehmetal.bandcamp.com/album/dysphoric-devotion

 https://linktr.ee/greh  

LaColpa/In Absentia Lucis/Brucia Records/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Italy's  LaColpa  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  mixture  of  dissonant  black,  sludge,  doom  meta,  experimental,  drone  and  noise  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "In  Absentia  Lucis"  which  was  released  by  Brucia  Records.

  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  At  times  the  recording  also  gets  very  experimental  sounding  along  with  some  whispers  also  being  utilized  briefly  along  with  some  noises  and  drones  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  songs.

  Elements  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  while  the  harsh  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.  A  lot  of  the  riffing  also  brings  in  a  very  dissonant  vibe  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  bringing  in  more  of  a  distorted  style.

  Most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  some  of  the  music  also  bringing  in  more  of  an  improvised  style.  A  small  amount  of  melody  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  and  when  the  album  finally  speeds  up  blast  beats  are  also  introduced  onto  the  recording  as  well  as  one  song  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  synths  and  clear  singing.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  negativity  and  pain.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  LaColpa  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  dissonant  black,  sludge,  doom  metal,  drone,  experimental  and  noise,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Our  Vast  Loneliness"  and  "Wher  God  lives".  8  out  of  10.

  https://lacolpa666.bandcamp.com/     

Morast/Fentanyl/Van Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Morast  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  sludge,  doom  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  album  "Fentanyl"  which  will  be  released  in  2025  by  Van  Records.

  A  very  dark  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  Elements  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  are  also  added  into  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  along  with  the  vocals  bringing  in  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style  while  one  song  also  introduces  clear  vocals  onto  the  album.  Spoken  words  and  whispers  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  the  music  also  having  its  atmospheric  moments  and  the  whole  recording  also  sticks  to  a  slower  direction  and  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  On  this  recording  Morast  goes  for  more  of  a  slow  sludge  and  doom  metal  style  which  also  mixes  in  the  aggression  of  black  and  death  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  grief,  loss  and  the  abyss  of  emotional  pain.  

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Morast  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  sludge,  doom  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Of  Furor  And  Ecstasy"  and  "On  Pyre".  8  out  of  10.

  https://youtu.be/Fy8wByYIowI  

Othismos/Sottrazione/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Othismos  are  a  band  from  Italy  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  sludge  metal,  crust  and  post  hardcore  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2024  album  "Sottrazione".

  A  very dark, heavy  and  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  elements  of  sludge  metal.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  blackened  metal   screams  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  Touches  of  post  hardcore  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  crust  influences  and  blast  beats.  Some  of  the  tracks  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  the  whole  album  also  sticks  to  a  heavier  direction.

  Othismos  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black,  sludge  metal,  crust  and  post  hardcore  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Anti  Religion  and  Inner  Struggles.

  In  my  opinion  Othismos  are  a  very  decent  sounding  mixture  of  black,  sludge  metal,  crust  and  post  hardcore  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUD E "I  Will  Fade  Away"  "The  Mirror"  and  "Death  Forever".  7  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/Othismosrock

https://www.instagram.com/othismos666

https://othismos.bandcamp.com/    

Fiasko/ Amok • ꓘoma/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Fiasko  are  a  band  from  Poland  that  plays  a  blackened  mixture  of  sludge  and  post  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  self  released  album  " Amok • ꓘoma",

  Field  recordings  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  and  melodic  direction  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  mostly  blackened  metal  screams  mixed  in  with  some  shouts  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Elements  of  sludge  metal  are  also  added  into  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  post  metal  style.  Tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  faster  riffing  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  Clear  vocals  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  along  with  one  song  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  and  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  some  clean  playing  also  being  utilized  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Polish  and  cover  death  and  love  themes.

 In  my  opinion  Fiasko  are  a  very  great  sounding  blackened  mixture  of  sludge  and  post  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Spod  spodu"  "VII  krag"  and  "Maligna".  8  out  of  10.

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fiaskopl/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fiaskopl/ 

Bandcamp: https://fiaskopolo.bandcamp.com/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/fiaskopolo 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7zSkoAIc5lQhXjnbwXlGFh   

  

Qaalm/Grave Impressions Of An Unbroken Arc/Hypaethral Records/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Qaalm  are  a  band  from  Los  Angeles,  California  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  goes  for  an  atmospheric,  melodic  and  progressive  mixture  of  post  black,  sludge  and  funeral  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "Grave  Impressions  Of  An  Unbroken  Arc"  which  was  released  by  Hyperthral  Records.

  Atmospheric  sounding  synths  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  funeral  doom  metal  which  also  captures  the  heaviness  of  sludge  metal.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  all  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  blackened  metal  screams.

  Some  of  the  deeper  vocals  also  add  in  a  touch  of  death  metal  while  clear  singing  can  also  be  heard  at  times.  When  clean  playing  is  utilized  they  also  take  the  album  into  more  of  a  progressive  direction  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  bringing  in  more  of  a  melodic  rock  style ,  when  the  music  finally  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard  and  spoken  words  are  also  added  on  the  closing  track.

  On  this  recording  Qaalm  takes  a  very  atmospheric  and  melodic  form  of  post  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  sludge,  funeral  doom  metal  and  progressive  rock  to  create  a  very  diverse  album.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  introspection  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Qaalm  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric,  melodic  and  progressive  post  black,  sludge  and  funeral  doom,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Shadows  Behind  The  Sun"  and  "Hangman's  Lament".  8  out  of  10.

  https://linktr.ee/qaalm    

Oryx/Primordial Sky/Translation Loss Records/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Oryx  are  a  band  from  Denver,  Colorado  that  plays  an  atmospheric  mixture  of  black,  sludge,  doom  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "Primordial  Sky"  which  will  be  released  in  October  by  Translation  Loss  Records.

  A  very  dark,  heavy  and  atmospheric  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  all  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  Elements  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  are  also  added  into  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  along  with  the  vocals  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  death  metal  growls  mixed  in  with  a  few  black  metal  screams.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style.  Clean  playing  and  acoustic  guitars  can  also  be  heard  on  some  of  the  tracks  along with  some  synths  also  being  utilized  briefly,  all  of t he  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  whole  album  also  sticks  to  a  slower  direction.

  Oryx  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  atmospheric  black,  sludge,  doom  and  death  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  life,  death  and  the  cosmos.

  In  my  opinion  Oryx  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  mixture  of  black,  sludge,  doom  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Primordial  Sky"  and "Look  Upon  The  Earth".  8  out  of  10.

  https://orcd.co/primordialsky

https://www.facebook.com/theeoryx/

https://www.instagram.com/thebandoryx/  

Hand Of Omega/The End Of The Beginning/Cursed Monk Records/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Hand  Of  Omega  are  a  band  from  the  United  Kingdom  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  sludge,  doom  and  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "The  End  Of  The  Beginning"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  Cursed  Monk  Records.

  Harsh  noises  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  elements  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  are  also  added  into  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  shouts  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Elements  of  thrash  metal  can  also  be  heard  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  along  with  some  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Growls  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  a  couple  of  songs  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  spoken  word  parts  and  harsh  noises  also  make  a  return  as  the  album  progresses,  guitar  leads  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  environment  and  society  themes.    

  In  my  opinion  Hand  Of  Omega  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black,  sludge,  doom  and  thrash  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Survival  Of  The  Shittest"  and  "Amazon  Burning".  8  out  of  10.

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmV6x_IyKQE

https://cursedmonk.bandcamp.com/album/the-end-of-the-beginning

Lares 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?

Recording our latest album in our studio/rehearsal room was a completely different beast compared to our previous two albums, which were recorded in a professional studio. We had to rearrange the space and experiment extensively to capture the entire song in one take, without a click track. We wanted a cinematic feeling, so we took our time working with Luca Leprotti (David di Donatello winner for best sound in "Volevo Nascondermi" by Giorgio Dritti) for the mixing. Once we had a version we liked, we sent everything to our label, Argonauta Records. While waiting for the album to be pressed and released, we worked on new material and went on a small tour in Germany.

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

Our first album, “Mask of Discomfort” (2017), was more of a stoner doom album, but it already hinted at elements that became more prominent in our next album, “Towards Nothingness” (2020) – black metal parts, ethereal post-rock guitars, ambient drone, and slow doom sections. With our latest release, we continued on this evolutionary path, adding more elements and focusing on the dynamics of various sections. We recorded it ourselves in our studio to maintain the freedom of not having time limits due to budget constraints. “Et in Arcadia Ego” was born from our first session together after a long pandemic break. We captured the energy of that day, playing the whole 27-minute track repeatedly without a click until it was perfect.

3. This is also your first release in four years. Can you tell us a bit more about what was going on during that time frame?

We had a complicated period after releasing our previous album, which coincided with our first major tour in June 2020. But everyone knows what happened then. Lockdowns and health concerns led to a period of inactivity. Depression set in, and we wrote parts at home. When we finally met again, we played for hours, jamming on what we had. We decided to create a long song representing the long wait, mixed emotions, and static floating of time, along with themes of death, apocalypse, and the dawn of humanity. After recording “Et in Arcadia Ego,” Simone left the band, and Giovanni joined as a second guitarist and synth player. We wanted to be ready as a new force before releasing the album.

4. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer release, and how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?

We explore themes like the contrasts within the city and nature, occultism, paganism, death, depression, oblivion, abandonment, and psychedelics. Our music and lyrics are heavily influenced by the current political situation in Germany and globally.

5. I know the band's name comes from Roman and Etruscan mythology. Can you tell us a bit more about your interest in this topic?

We liked the idea of an Etruscan/Roman faceless god, an entity that can be molded into any desired shape, believed to observe, protect, and influence fate. Some members come from the Etruscan volcanic areas of Italy, and the constant touch with catacombs, unholy temples, and the ghosts of an ancient civilization worshiping nature, their forces, and powers, as well as the inner self, has always fascinated us.

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

Choosing that artwork was spontaneous and connected with the concept of the new album. After one of the first times we played the long song entirely, our ex-synth player Simone instinctively suggested the title “Et in Arcadia Ego” and showed us the painting by Guercino with the same title. We officially asked the National Gallery Museum in Rome for permission to use the image, and to our surprise, maybe a metalhead was working the office desk, they gave us the ok.

7. What are some of the best shows the band has played so far, and how would you describe your stage performance?

Recently, we played a small release tour in Germany, which was our most intense experience to date, with the best show in Dresden headlining the last day of the Gockel Scream Festival. Lares has no form or shape, so we like to create a blurry and ethereal atmosphere on stage. Seeing people with eyes closed, completely lost in the sound and shaking – more than us after the concert – is the most important reward we’ve achieved. We are grateful that our experimental “monster” track album touched so many souls deeply.

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

Yes, we are working on a second tour outside of Germany for the end of the year or 2025.

9. On a worldwide level, how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black and sludge metal?

We’ve had a lot of responses from the States, South America, and Northern Europe. Since the release of our second album, we’ve noticed a small but dedicated following. We know our music isn’t easy to digest for genre purists. We don’t believe in subgenre categories; it’s cool nowadays that there are no boundaries with music. Somewhere out there, there’s a trve black metal guy secretly listening to Mitski.

10. Where do you see the band heading musically in the future?

We’re in a constant jamming process. An album always represents the past for us. When you hear it, we’ve already moved on to another chapter. Our next goal is to experiment in fields we’ve never been before – maybe with more electronic elements, maybe with shorter, aggressive songs. For now, we might have had enough of concept albums and will surely do something different in the future.

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

Thanks for giving us this space, and thanks for reading. I hope you find new tunes today. Spread the evil. Cheers!

https://www.facebook.com/ laresband
https://www.instagram.com/ laresmetal/

Vulgaris 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?

Jess: Straight back to work! We've been sitting on a whole load of new ideas while finishing the album and we're starting to really flesh those out as a band now that we've released Seat Of The Fire. Otherwise we've been performing as much as we can, with the album launch show and our performance at Signature Brew being standouts.

2.In May you album, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

Jess: I think we're continuing to improve as musical collaborators with each song or rehearsal and the album speaks to that. I think our last album was a good statement of intent but we had maybe not found a consensus of sounds that feel ‘Vulgaris’ yet, whereas we now know how to pull from each other to blend our influences and styles much more successfully. SOTF has a lot of my favourite groovy riffing but meets these incredibly grand sludgy evil moments that are almost post metal and atmospheric and I think the combination of those parts really work for us in a way that we didn't fully capitalise on before.

Matt: For me, the newer album feels more cohesive in terms of styles and vibes compared with the debut, even when it does move between fast black metal and slower passages. It’s also more intense and extreme to me, and has a lot of moments that are heavier than anything we fit into the debut album.

3.The lyrics on the new album are inspired by Greek Mythology, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?

Jess: Well I personally just find so much inspiration in myths and legends, these classic fables that are endlessly rich for storytelling and of course our lovely vocalist/ guitarist Jon is Greek Cypriot so in the writing process it made a lot of sense to draw from those places. I think it can often feel like the world is burning so the framing of current unrest through the lens of these old gods is something I enjoy.

4.What are some of the other lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored over the years with your music?

Matt: On the debut album, we didn’t have a specific concept for the album, so there’s songs covering topics such as climate change, serial killers and also again some mythology. We then released a standalone single in 2021 called Goat Bong, which was a somewhat silly track lyrically about cults.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Vulgaris'?

Jon: The name “Vulgaris” comes from two things that were irritating me when I formed the band 2017. The “Era Vulgaris” which was when right wing populism was at an all time high it felt like, and also “Acne Vulgaris”, which has a way more embarrassing reason. So I decided to take the two words in common and turn them into something positive. Plus it’s a great name for a metal band, if nothing else.

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

Jess: I had a really clear image of what I wanted for this after writing Black Gold Baptism. I wanted this almost baptised figure walking from an oil coated sea filled with anger, someone ready to burn it all down. And when Matt found our incredible artist Leoncio Harmr we struck gold, he really got the concept and yeah I'm absolutely thrilled with how it turned out.

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

Jess: We're a bit spoilt with this question as we've played some of my favourite places in the country and shared the stage with some excellent people. An easy shout out is playing The Forum with Conjurer in Tunbridge Wells, but also the final of the metal to the masses competition where we played at the dome in London which was so much fun being surrounded by the underground London metal community. 

Our performance is something we work very hard on and it's something very deliberate- we aim to build an atmosphere with the samples and lighting before landing our explosive songs and then from there it's just all about making people lose it to the music.

George: As well as the Forum and getting to the M2TM final mentioned by Jess, a recent highlight for me was overwhelming the little crowd at the Black Griffin in Canterbury. Wild Halloween night on and off the stage and things kept heating up with the opening bands - it all boiled over when we started with a big opener and I felt like we tore the place down. I loved it. 

We all play with our own individual visceral intensity that seems to connect with people live when blended together - I’d say that our live performances do our songs justice. I really enjoy the camaraderie we have before, during and after we play. 

Matt: On top of the ones mentioned above, I really enjoyed the album launch show we did in May when we played Seat Of The Fire in full, and also a show we did in Brighton in 2022 supporting a band called Kinzoku, the crowd made that a great show and I really enjoyed the headliner’s set too. Our stage show has definitely evolved in the past couple of years as we’ve begun to integrate samples and play around with different lighting. For me, the important thing is opening with a high-octane song that gets us and the crowd immediately in the zone, and just keeping the momentum going from there on.

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

Jess: Hard at work trying to plan a tour yes but we had the best launch night show with some of our favourite bands last month, we're also playing Kent and Bristol next at the end of the month.

George: I hope we can find a run of shows with some bands in the post/sludge/blackened/doom scene. We’ve made friends with some great bands who we’ll try to tour with when they have new releases.

Jon: I love playing live, so we’ve got some very interesting shows coming up in August which are with punk bands. I’ll play anywhere. August is shaping up to be a busy month for us.

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

Jess: It's pretty insane how many countries have been playing our music l think it's something like 33 different countries now, and yeah that blows me away, radioplay in a country I've never been to myself is very humbling. Feedback has been fantastic. I am very proud of how many people get our blending of styles and are invested in a brutal concept album like SOTF.

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

Jess: Spoilers but we're currently delving a bit more into the sludge/post sounds with some really fun new contortions of those genres. I'm also very aware of how the crowd has been exploding to some of our tunes off of SOTF so I'm writing some nasty ideas in the dissonant techy realm, all will be revealed soon.

Matt: I think we would like to explore as many sounds as we can while broadly keeping the overall energy and vibe consistent with what has come before, whether that be doubling down on blackened aggression, playing around with longer, more progressive writing, or unleashing some foul sludgy filth.

Jon: More disgusting riffs. I love the grooves on Seat of the Fire so I want those to continue. Also just doing what we normally do, which is just fucking around with different metal genres and tying it all together. I don’t want to be stuck doing purely one sound on one album, if that makes sense.

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

Jess: Well George just turned me onto the new Black Tongue album which is pretty outrageous, and I'm loving the new Nails singles, but as I write this Gojira is currently playing also.

George: Apart from giving Jess great slam recs, my favourite scene is grim blackened stuff - a lot of which seem to be French. Bands like Celeste, Mourir, Plebeian Grandstand, Throane, Cross Bringer, Oathbreaker, Dragged into Sunlight etc.

Matt: I’m increasingly into anything that falls into the overlap between sludge, stoner, prog and post-metal, whether it be Elder, Dvne, Mastodon, Horndal, Meridian Sun, or anything else in that general area.

Jon: I love bands that are creatively heavy, so bands like Wayfarer, Blood Incantation, Meth, Deafheaven and Mizmor to name a few. I’m not a fan of bands who are “heavy” just for the sake of it. 

I’m a huge fan of 90s black metal as well as early 00s British Indie. When I’m not listening to metal, I’m listening to that.

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

Jess: Make sure you try to catch us live, that is our favourite thing in the world and I think the songs really speak in that environment. And stay tuned for another video soon - go on and follow us on our socials, we're Vulgaris everywhere.

vulgaris2017.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/VBANDUK
www.instagram.com/vulgaris_band
twitter.com/vulgarisband
www.youtube.com/@vulgaris978
Spotify: SpotifyVulgaris