Old Machines/The Cycles Of Extinction/Pale Magnus Productions/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Old  Machines  are  a  band  from  Portland,  Oregon  that  plays  a  very  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "The  Cycles  Of  Extinction"  which  will  be  released  in  August  by  Pale  Magnus  Productions.

  A  sci-fi  orientated  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  ambient  style keyboards  a  few  seconds  later  before  adding  in  some  symphonic  elements  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  All  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  are  added  into  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs.  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  along  with  some  spoken  words  also  being  utilized  at  times  and  the  album  also  adds  in a   good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  The  album  also  adds  in  a  good  amount  of  thrash,  death  and  power  metal  elements  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  one  track  also  being  an  instrumental.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  a  concept  album  and  covers  science  fiction,  horror,  war  and  genocide.

  In  my  opinion  Old  Machines  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Twilight  Of  The  Old  Gods,  And  The  Dawning  Of  The  First"  "Dark  Space  And  Beyond  -  The  Continuing  Of  The  Evolution  Of  The  Final  Cycle"  and  "Glory  To  The  Terrans  Of  The  First  Contact  War".  8  out  of  10.

  https://oldmachines.bandcamp.com/album/the-cycles-of-extinction

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550689574647#

https://www.instagram.com/oldmachines_official/#

https://www.youtube.com/@OldMachinesOfficial      

Sigh/I Saw The World's End (Hangman's Hymn MMXXV)/Peaceville Records/2025 Re-Recorded Album Review

 

  Japans'  Sig  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  an  avant  garde  and  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "I  Saw  The  World's  End  (Hangman's  Hymn  MMXXV)"  which  will  be  released  on  June 13th,  2025  by  Peaceville  Records  and  is  also  a  re-recorded  version  of  the  2007  album  "Hangman's  Hymn".

  A  very  heavy  symphonic  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  angry  sounding  black  metal  screams.  Elements  of  thrash  metal  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  operatic  choirs  also  taking  the  music  into  more  of  an  avant  garde  direction  when  they  are  utilized.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  album  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  also  bring  in  more  of  a  melodic  and  old  school  metal  style.  some  of  the  vocals  also  add  in  a  touch  of  power/thrash  metal.

  Clear  vocals  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  some  back  up  shouts  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  album.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  as  well  as  the  music  also  updating  the  black/thrash  metal  style  for  the  modern  era,  spoken  words  are  also  used  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  a  concept  album  and  cover   death  and  occultism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  from  Sigh  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  band,  you  should  check  out  this  re-recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Inked  In  Blood"  "The  Master  Malice"  "In  Devils  Arms"  and  "Salvation  In  Flame/Confutatis".  8  out  of  10.

  Instagram     

  

Mandragora Titania/In Fabulis/MDD Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Mandragora  Titania  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  plays  a  very  epic  form  of  folk  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "In  Fabulis"  which  will  be  released  in  June  by  MDD  Records.

  Epic  sounding  keyboards  start  off  the  album  while  also  adding  in  some  symphonic  touches  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  aggressive  vocals  being  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  

  Folk  instruments  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  growls  can  also  be  heard  at  times.  Clear  singing  is  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  album  along  with  some  blast  beats  also  being  utilized  when  the  music  finally  speeds  up,  choirs  and  spoken  words  can  also  be are  also  introduced  on  a  couple  of  tracks.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  a  couple  of  songs  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  female  vocals  as  well  as  most  of  the  album  also  sticking  to  a  mid  tempo  direction.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  German  and  cover  fantasy  and  folklore  themes.  

  In  my  opinion  Mandragora  Titania  are  a  very  great  sounding  epic  folk  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Zinnsoldat"  "Meisterdieb"  "Trollwettessen"  and  "Schnee".  8  out  of  10.

  https://youtu.be/ayJpIvpyWWU

Mystic Circle/Kriegsgötter MMXXV/ROAR/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Mystic  Circle  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  melodic  and  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Kriegsgötter  MMXXV"  which  will  be  released  in  June  by  ROAR  and  consists  of  2  original  tracks  and  covers  from  Bathory,  The  Lost  Boys  soundtrack,  Iron  Maiden,  Possessed,  Acheron  and  Celtic  Frost.

  Acoustic  guitars  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  keyboards  also  add  in  a  symphonic  touch  when  they  are  utilized.  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Female  vocals  can  also  be  heard  on  a  few songs  while  some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  Spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  lot  of  melody  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard.

  One  song  is  also  an  instrumental  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  when  they  are  utilized  as  well  as  one  track  also  introducing  clean  playing  onto  the  album,  clear  male  vocals  and  death  metal  growls  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  the  production  sounds  very  professional.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Mystic  Circle  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  death  and  classic  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "One  Rode  To  Asa  Bay"  "Afraid  To  Shoot  Strangers"  and  "Acheron(medley)".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/MysticCircleOfficial      .

  

Stellar Blight/EVENTIDE: Synod Of The Dying Stars/Malignant Voices/2025 Full Length Review

 

 Stellar  Blight  are  a  band  from  Poland  that  plays  a  very  melodic  and  blackened  form  of  death  metal  with  elements  of  traditional  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "EVENTIDE:  Synod  Of  The  Dying  Stars"  which  will  be  released  in  June  by  Malignant  Voices.

  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams  along  with  some  of  the  riffing  also  mixing  in  elements  of  thrash  and  traditional  metal.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Saxophones  and  synths  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  also  being  utilized  when  the  music  finally  speeds  up,  clean  playing  also  returns  on  later  songs.  One  track  also  adds  in  spoken  words  and  most  of  the  album  sticks  to  a  mid  tempo  direction  as  well  as  one  song  also  being  instrumental.

  Steller  Blight  plays  a  style  of  blackened  death  metal  that  is  very  mid  tempo  and  melodic  sounding  as  well as  adding  in  elements  of  traditional  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  death  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Steller  Blight  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  blackened  death  metal  band  with  elements  of  traditional  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Second  Death"  "Maggots  In  Awe"  and  "Weaponized  Compassion".  8 out  of  10.

  Bandcamp: https://stellarblight.bandcamp.com/album/eventide-synod-of-the-dying-stars

Epic Death 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?

"Since the recording and release of 'The Seer,' our focus has been squarely on promotion. We intentionally kept our live performances minimal during the recording phase to dedicate our energy to this album's launch. To amplify our reach, we've brought on Metal Devastation PR, who are doing an incredible job helping us spread the word and connect with our audience on a broader scale. The momentum is building, and we're excited to see 'The Seer' resonate with fans."

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

"'The Seer' definitely takes a more progressive turn compared to 'Witchcraft.' While 'Witchcraft' established our core sound, 'The Seer' incorporates more intricate progressive metal elements, pushing our boundaries musically. However, both albums remain undeniably and emphatically METAL. We embrace the diverse sub-genres within metal, but at our heart, we are about delivering raw, powerful, and authentic metal music."

3. This is also your first album in 10 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?

"That ten-year gap was a period of crucial internal refinement. You know the saying, 'having the right pieces to the puzzle'? That's exactly what we were focused on. We dedicated ourselves to ensuring the band's lineup was absolutely solid and cohesive. Once we had that synergy, the songwriting process truly began. While unforeseen circumstances did extend the timeline beyond our initial hopes, we firmly believe the wait has been more than worth it for 'The Seer.' We did manage to break the silence with a successful week-long tour in 2023, hitting Texas, Vegas, and two fantastic shows in Arizona, which was a great way to reconnect with our live audience."

4. So far lyrically you have covered Witchcraft and Norse Mythology, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these topics?

"Our passion lies in crafting compelling narratives through our music, and what better subjects than the rich tapestry of the supernatural and ancient mythology? These themes offer an endless well of inspiration for storytelling, allowing us to delve into deep, often dark, and always captivating lore. They provide a powerful backdrop for the intensity of our music, creating an immersive experience for our listeners."

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

"The name 'Epic Death' actually has a rather serendipitous origin. Back in 2010, when it was just Dennis and Becky, we were brainstorming band names. Dennis, a huge fan, lamented, 'Death took the best band name in the history of band names.' Becky, with a flash of inspiration, immediately countered, 'What about Epic Death?' It just clicked. From that moment, it became the band's moniker, partly as a respectful nod to the legendary Chuck Schuldiner and the band Death, embodying both the grand scale of our music and a tribute to one of metal's true pioneers."

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

"We're thrilled to feature Lady India, the same phenomenal model from our 'Witchcraft' cover, on 'The Seer.' She's an extraordinary artist in her own right, known for her captivating fire artistry and unique performances. We approached Lady India with the album title and overarching theme, giving her complete creative freedom to interpret and create the visuals she felt best represented 'The Seer.' The images you see now are just a glimpse of the incredible work she delivered. We'll be gradually releasing more of these stunning photographs as part of our ongoing promotion for 'The Seer,' not only to enhance the album's presence but also to showcase Lady India's exceptional talent."

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?

"Over our 15 years, we've had the privilege of playing countless memorable shows, but some truly stand out. Sharing the stage with bands like Mushroomhead, Gemini Syndrome, Carach Angren, Nile, and Finntroll were unforgettable experiences. Our 2023 tour also featured two absolutely phenomenal shows in Arizona that truly energized us. As for our stage performance, we strive for an intense and immersive experience. We aim to translate the power and emotion of our music into a visually captivating and high-energy live show that leaves a lasting impression on the audience."

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

"Our primary focus right now is on strategic opportunities. We're actively keeping our eyes open for festival appearances. Festivals offer an incredible platform to reach a broad and dedicated audience, and we believe our sound will resonate strongly in that environment. We're eager to bring 'The Seer' to the stage and connect with fans live."

9. The new album was self-released, but the band has worked with a label before in the past. Are you open to working with another label in the future?

"Both 'Witchcraft' and 'The Seer' were released under our own imprint, Bast Records. While we've always harbored the ambition of securing distribution with a larger, more established name, the landscape of the music industry is incredibly competitive. With so many talented bands vying for attention, it can be challenging for an independent band like ours to gain the same visibility as more mainstream acts. That said, we remain open to opportunities. If a partnership with a label aligns with our vision and offers significant benefits, we would certainly consider it."

10. On a worldwide level, how has the reaction been to your newer music by fans of symphonic black and death metal?

"The reaction to our new music has been overwhelmingly positive, which is incredibly validating. We even consider it a badge of honor when our music starts circulating on Russian torrent sites – it's a clear indicator that you've created something impactful enough to capture global attention, even if it's not always through official channels! It shows our music is reaching a wide audience and resonating with them."

11. What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?

"Our rhythm section is quite active! Reece, our drummer, and Justin, our bass player, are both integral members of the band Omen. They are currently deep in the creative process, actively writing new music for Omen, which is exciting for them and for fans of their work."

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

"We're always looking ahead, and we've already solidified the theme for our next album. Without giving too much away, I can confidently say that it will strongly appeal to anyone who enjoys horror movies. We're excited to delve into a darker, more cinematic sonic landscape, and we believe it will be a thrilling evolution for Epic Death's sound."

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

"Our collective listening habits are quite diverse, reflecting the varied influences within the band. You'll find everything from the raw intensity of Slayer and Cannibal Corpse, to the epic power of Amon Amarth, and the technicality of Dream Theater. This broad palette of musical tastes undoubtedly contributes to the unique blend that defines Epic Death's sound."

"Absolutely. We sincerely hope that anyone reading this will take the time to check out our music and, if it resonates with them, share it with their friends. Every band, regardless of how successful they become, starts as a 'local' band with the same fundamental dream: to be known for their music and to cultivate a dedicated fanbase. We invite everyone to visit our social media pages, stream our music on Spotify, Pandora, and YouTube, and keep an eye out for our developing TikTok content. We're deeply committed to connecting with our listeners and building a thriving community. Stay tuned for what comes next from Epic Death – we've got a lot more in store!"

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

https://www.facebook.com/EpicDeathOfficial

http://www.instagram.com/epicdeathband

https://x.com/EpicDeathBand

https://www.youtube.com/epicdeath

Existentialist/Terminal/Seek & Shake/2025 EP Review

 

  Existentialist  are  a  band  from  the  United  Kingdom  that  plays  a  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  ep  "Terminal"  which  will b e  released  in  June  by  Seek  &  Shake.

  Symphonic  style  keyboards  and  orchestration  start  off  the  ep  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  while  the  vocals  are  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  melody.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  elements  of  deathcore  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  ep.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style,  clean  playing  is  also  added  on  a  couple  of  tracks  and  a  couple  of  songs  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  the  bonus  track  also  adding  in  some  choirs.

  Existentialist  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  symphonic  black,  death  metal  and  deathcore  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  human  condition.

  In  my  opinion  Existentialist  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  mixture  of  black, death metal  and  deathcore  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUD E "Death  Before  Death'  and  "Wraithchild".  

https://www.facebook.com/ExistentialistUK

https://www.instagram.com/existentialist.uk/#

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4wLNwOLv2VRH88SncD9yD5?si=TZQ10QjWSgin4Hceb7HkSg&nd=1&dlsi=efcf9b7616334bae