Cultus Sanguine - Cultus Sanguine (Wounded Love, 1995)

Track Listing:

1. Richiamo In Rosso (1.38)

2. Ride The Winds Of Hate (5.44)

3. My Journey Is Long But My Time Is Endless (6.22)

4. Into The Field Of Screaming Souls (7.21)

Synopsis: Cultus Sanguine are one of those bands that were only around for a brief time and aren't well known but I have long found them an intriguing proposition. Their unique sound combined elements of black, doom and gothic metal into a hybrid that really doesn't sound like any other band I can think of. Whilst they were certainly not overly aggressive, quite the opposite, there is a creepy atmosphere to their music that more than compensates for this lack of aggression and it is these sinister undertones that made Cultus Sanguine such an interesting band.

Illogicist - The Unconsciousness Of Living (Willowtip, 2011)

Track Listing:

1. Ghosts Of Unconsciousness (5.37)

2. Hypnotized (6.19)

3. Perceptions From The Deceiving Memory (5.41)

4. The Mind Reaper (4.56)

5. A Past Defeated Suffering (5.46)

6. The Same Old Collision (5.40)

7. Misery Of A Profaned Soul (4.52)

8. A Never Ending Fall (6.00)

Synopsis: Illogicist have a way of making their complex death metal seem effortless and their latest release "The Unconsciousness Of Living" builds upon their impressive back catalogue in a relentless fashion. One of their big strengths is that, despite the aforementioned complexity, the songs don't degenerate into sheer indulgence as they are capable of building upon a succession of strong, memorable riffs and rhythms. Illogicist have easily built upon the promise of  their previous release "The Insight Eye" and ably demonstrate that complexity and brutality can co-exist quite readily.

http://www.illogicist.com/

Isole - Born From Shadows (Napalm, 2011)

Track Listing:

1. The Lake (7.14)

2. Black Hours (7.10)

3. Born From Shadows (9.27)

4. Come To Me (6.49)

5. My Angel (10.31)

6. Condemned (8.49)

7. When All Is Black (5.28)

Synopsis: Isole are back with another album full of epic doom metal and, as you would expect, very has little has changed since their last release, "Silent Ruins".  I mean that in the best possible way as, if anything, this is a darker album than its predecessor, exemplified by the increased use of growled vocals, yet it hasn't lost any of the atmosphere, nor the solemn harmonies, in the process. Isole are one of those bands that can be uplifting one minute then crestfallen the next and "Born From Shadows" is another fine chapter in their consistently accomplished discography.

http://www.forevermore.se/

Cipher System - Communicate The Storms (Nuclear Blast, 2011)

Track Listing:

1. 7 Inch Cut (4.26)

2. Forget To Forgive (4.41)

3. Communicate The Storms (4.44)

4. Gods Terminal (3.42)

5. End My Path (3.49)

6. Objection (4.53)

7. The Stairway (5.29)

8. A Lesson Learned (5.16)

9. Project Life Collapses (3.57)

10. The Failure Starts (5.32)

Synopsis: Admittedly, I wasn't expecting much from Cipher System given the current state of melodic death metal and the lack of quality bands perpetuating the style. Still, I would rather be pleasantly surprised than disappointed and "Communicate The Storms" was indeed a welcome surprise. All the trademarks of melodic death metal are present but the songwriting is strong, there is the right balance between aggression and melody as well as a slightly modern edge to the music. After the disappointment of the latest In Flames album earlier this year, how the mighty have fallen, Cipher System offer hope that this style still has something to offer.

www.myspace.com/ciphersystem

Hrizg - Inferno (Moribund, 2011)

Track Listing:

1. Inferno I - The Awakening (5.02)

2. Inferno II - To Yield Below The Frozen Sky (5.25)

3. Inferno III - Shadowshield (4.10)

4. Inferno IV - Ars Goetia (3.56)

5. Inferno V - Conqueror Of This Wooden Abyss (8.17)

Synopsis: No sooner has Hrizg provided "Anthems Of Decreptitude", also on Moribund, he returns with "Inferno". Whilst staying true to the ideals and norms of the style it also follows the protagonists vision of black metal, dark, primitive and haunting, with each of the chapters based around a succession of effective riffs and varied vocals. The embellishments that are tastefully scattered throughout, such as the choir on "Ars Goetia" or the tranquil rain and acoustic opening of "Conqueror Of This Wooden Abyss", only add to the aura. With black metal these days you have to take the good with the bad, thankfully Hrizg clearly falls into the former.

www.myspace.com/hrizg



Vallenfyre - A Fragile King (Century Media, 2011)

Track Listing:

1. All Will Suffer (4.09)

2. Desecration (4.56)

3. Ravenous Whore (3.02)

4. Cathedral Of Dread (3.52)

5. As The World Collapses (3.13)

6. A Thousand Martyrs (3.24)

7. Seeds (4.45)

8. Humanity Wept (2.18)

9. My Black Siberia (3.49)

10. The Divine Have Fled (3.41)

11. The Grim Irony (4.39)

Synopsis: As soon as I heard about Vallenfyre, and the line-up, I knew that this band would be good and that assumption was quickly proven correct on listening to "A Fragile King". It is an amalgam of crusty, old school death metal and doom with a thick, dirty production and grim outlook to match. Unlike a lot of bands that fit such a description these days Vallenfyre don't sound like they are trying to recreate the past. It is clear where their roots lie and the experience of the members regularly shows through but it is also a potent collection of songs in it's own right that will be one of the better albums of the year.

http://www.vallenfyre.com/



Arbor Ira - ...Meine Traume, Vergangene (Naturmacht Productions, 2010)

Track Listing:

1. A Day Is Born (6.12)

2. Unlebendig (9.52)

3. Platz Der Sorgen (6.49)

4. Here I Wait For You (7.16)

5. Ein Gar Teuflisch Gift (13.41)

6. Winter Im Herz (9.05)

7. Everyday (12.15)

Synopsis: Abor Ira took me by surprise with "...Meine Traume, Vergangene", a CD that I purchased on a whim, as it is quite a fine example of death/doom with a strong lyrical focus on nature. Opening track "A Day Is Born" is surprisingly aggressive and, whilst always sorrowful as you would expect, Arbor Ira haven't neglected to build their songs around heavy riffs replete with tasteful harmonies, varied vocals and the subtle inclusion of violin, viola and chello for extra depth. Despite playing it relatively safe with their compositions, Arbor Ira do everything very well and the result is an excellent album.

http://www.abor-ira.de/

Sadus - Chemical Exposure (Roadrunner,1991)

Track Listing:

1. Certain Death (4.14)

2. Undead (4.03)

3. Sadus Attack (1.44)

4. Torture (2.25)

5. And The You Die (1.46)

6. Hands Of Fate (3.56)

7. Twisted Face (2.00)

8. Fight Or Die (2.53)

9. Illusions (3.47)

10. Chemical Exposure (2.16)

Synopsis: Sadus inhabit that grey area between thrash and death metal and it is easy to see why on "Chemical Exposure" which was actually a re-issue of their debut "Illusions", originally released independently in 1988. Sadus were all about speed with a hint of chaos yet, at the same time, that's their biggest appeal and it is the outright aggression that places it somewhere between thrash and death. Each of their successive albums built upon this formula however, as they matured, they never quite matched the intensity of their debut.

Seance - Fornever Laid To Rest (Black Mark, 1992)

Track Listing:

1. Who Will Not Be Dead (3.31)

2. Reincarnage (3.39)

3. The Blessing Of Death (4.03)

4. Sin (2.59)

5. Haunted (3.40)

6. Fornever Laid To Rest (3.15)

7. Necronomicon (3.20)

8. Wind Of Gehenna (2.48)

9. Inferna Cabbala (3.43)

Synopsis: This album has been on my wishlist for a very long time but it has proven hard to come by, at a reasonable price, until now. Amongst all the classic Swedish death metal albums released in the early nineties "Fornever Laid To Rest" seems to get overlooked which is a travesty based upon just how good it is. At just over half an hour it is a short, aggressive dose of death metal that, much like Unanimated, differs from the classic sound of the period for which Sweden became (in)famous. Given it's current availability, or lack thereof, "Fornever Laid To Rest" would certainly be worthy of a reissue as it deserves to be heard alongside other classic examples of the time.

www.myspace.com/seance1990

Anima Inmortalis - More Than Just Flesh And Blood (Australis, 2011)

Track Listing:

1. The Complex Soul Of An Expanding Universe (4.14)

2. Architecture Of The Faith (3.06)

3. Malice (3.17)

4. Broken Portraits (2.44)

5. Smells Of Death And Evilness (3.59)

6. Under A Bloodish Flag Of Hate (3.57)

7. Agelastas (4.54)

8. Sad Funeral Of A Damned Soul (3.30)

9. Homo Hominis Lupus (2.38)

10. Abnormal Deface (3.11)

Synopsis: Chile is a country that tends to fly under the radar when it comes to metal however I am rapidly discovering just how good their scene is with Anima Inmortalis being a fine example. "More Than Just Flash And Blood", their second album, is an impressive death metal release that, whilst unlikely to forge new ground, is built around really strong riffs and well written songs of a consistently high quality. Add to that a solid production and some truly magnificent artwork and Anima Inmortalis have come up with an excellent album that will no doubt prove hard to find but is well worth the effort for those who do.

www.myspace.com/animainmortalisbanda

Dark Covenant - Eulogies For The Fallen (Emanes Metal, 2011)

Track Listing:

1. The End-Time Congregation (1.40)

2. Forever Amongst The Ruins (5.47)

3. Visions Of Salvation (6.22)

4. Ascension Denied (7.30)

5. Black Raven (4.10)

6. Perennial Solitude (5.11)

7. Black Sun Rising (6.44)

8. A Broken Sword Reforged (7.49)

9. Dirgevows (1.50)

Synopsis: Dark Covenant are purveyors of traditional doom metal and "Eulogies For The Fallen" is their debut album following up on the promise of their self-released promo of 2009. All four songs on that promo make an appearance here together with three new songs proper. This is doom the way it was meant to be played, heavy, emotive and morose as it adheres to the established tenets of the style perfectly. With Candlemass about to call it a day and Solitude Aeturnus cruelly keeping their silence it would seem that Dark Covenant are perfectly capable of filling the void.

http://www.darkcovenantdoom.com/

Exmortus - Beyond The Fall Of Time (Heavy Artillery, 2011)

Track List:

1. Bane Forthcoming (1.08)

2. Kneel Before The Steel (6.11)

3. Black XIII (4.03)

4. Beyond The Nile... (2.33)

5. Entombed With The Pharaohs (6.20)

6. Destroy (5.24)

7. Crawling Chaos (5.36)

8. Left To Die In The Paradox Of Time (6.18)

9. Khronos (Forever In The Void) (3.04)

10. The Gathering (6.04)

Synopsis: I have been a staunch supporter of Exmortus ever since I purchased a copy of their debut "In Hatred's Flames" from them a few years ago. Of course, that was subsequently reissued with extra songs by Heavy Artillery the following year, which I bought as well, and now we have "Beyond The Fall Of Time". If anything, Exmortus seem to have gotten more aggressive and the rapid, shredding guitar work, that is almost their trademark, remains at the forefront. At times it borders on death metal though it never quite crosses over and there are even some more traditional metal moments as well. "Beyond The Fall Of Time" will go down as one of my favourite albums of the year and it readily proves that thrash can still sound fresh and relevant.

http://www.exmortus.com/ 

Insomnium - One For Sorrow (Century Media, 2011)

Track List:

1. Inertia (3.43)

2. Through The Shadows (4.32)

3. Song Of The Blackest Bird (7.29)

4. Only One Who Waits (5.18)

5. Unsung (5.04)

6. Every Hour Wounds (5.24)

7. Decoherence (3.18)

8. Lay The Ghost To Rest (7.46)

9. Regain The Fire (4.26)

10. One For Sorrow (6.06)

Synopsis: Each new Insomnium album has seen them further refining their sound, the base elements remain the same however they manage to improve on them with each successive release. "One For Sorrow" is certainly no exception to this however it would also be their most consistent album yet. Insomnium have retained their inherent sense of melancholy, which is obviously an integral part of their sound, but they have also written a collection of songs that build upon strong melodies and well structured arrangements. No real surprises if you are familiar with their previous releases but that doesn't detract from what is a very strong work.

http://www.insomnium.net/

Klabautamann - Merkur (The End, 2009)

Track Listing:

1. Unter Baumen (6.34)

2.When I Long For Life (6.53)

3. Stygian (5.16)

4. Herbsthauch (4.53)

5. Morn Of Solace (4.59)

6. Der Wald Ist Ein Meer (4.17)

7. Merkur (4.54)

8. Lurker In The Moonlight (5.28)

9. Noatun (5.38)

Synopsis: Klabautamann, a duo from Germany, have a particularly unique style as they take traditional black metal elements and then incorporate a progressive, jazz influence and a whole lot of light and shade into their music. It is almost surprising how seamlessly they manage to do so and, whilst they are not quite as avant garde as a band like Arcturus, they have an interesting approach that is simultaneously challenging and enjoyable. Given their new album "The Old Chamber" is due to be released on Zeitgeister this month I am very curious where they will head from here.

www.myspace.com/klabautamann

Ghast - May The Curse Bind (Todestrieb, 2008)

Track List:

1. Crawl, Blighted And Afraid (7.55)

2. Give Your Wrists (8.25)

3. Evoke Spiritless Hell (8.30)

4. Pale Robe (9.03)

5. Hexed Under Moon (9.18)

Synopsis: I actually bought this and the follow up, "Terrible Cemetery", at the same time so it seemed logical to listen to them in chronological order. Ghast mix black and doom metal into a hybrid that is so well done it is easy to forget that each of the five songs are quite lengthy. Part of this is due to their mixture of speed and slower dirges, never sounding forced, and this is an example of a band finding its strength in its simplicity. As the song titles and cover art would suggest, the subject matter is bleak with a production that suits this outlook perfectly. Ghast  certainly realised their vision with a brilliant debut and established themselves as a band to watch.

www.myspace.com/souldustgrave

www.facebook.com/GhastUK



Worship - Dooom (Endzeit Elegies, 2007)

Track Listing:

1. Endzeit Elegy (8.38)

2. All I Ever Knew Is Dead (8.24)

3. The Altar And The Choir Of The Moonkult (8.11)

4. Graveyard Horizon (9.41)

5. Zorn A Rust-Red Scythe (8.06)

6. Devived (8.17)

7. Mirror Of Sorrow (9.44)

8. I Am The End - Crucifixion Part II (11.50)

Synopsis: It has taken some time for me to obtain a copy of this CD but persistence certainly pays off and it was well worth the effort. Worship are one of the bleakest funeral doom bands you are likely to hear however, despite their minimalist outlook, they do manage to incorporate  embellishments such as deep, clean vocals, melodic leads, choirs and piano that add some degree of respite from the generally oppressive atmosphere. "Dooom" certainly isn't an easy listening experience by any measure but, like all good doom albums, it remains steeped in palpable misery which, given the history of the band, comes as no surprise.

http://www.worshipdoom.wordpress.com/

www.myspace.com/worshipdoom

Blood Red Throne - Brutalitarian Regime (Sevared, 2011)

Track Listing:

1. Brutalitarian Regime (2.53)

2. Graveworld (3.30)

3. Trapped, Terrified, Dead (4.53)

4. Eternal Decay (4.14)

5. Games Of Humiliation (4.17)

6. The Burning (3.59)

7. Proliferated  Unto Hemophobia (4.24)

8. Melena (4.16)

9. Parnassian Cacoepy (5.09)

10. Twisted Truth (3.47)

Synopsis: It's business as usual for Blood Red Throne, if you've heard any of their releases you'll know what to expect, however signing to Sevared Records seems to have had a positive influence as "Brutalitarian Regime" is their most consistent effort to date. The songs are strong and they appear to have realised the potential hinted at previously. The Pestilence cover to round off the album is a nice touch as well.

Einherjer - Norron (Indie, 2011)

Track Listing:

1. Norron Kraft (12.54)

2. Naglfar (5.11)

3. Alu Alu Laukar (2.51)

4. Varden Brenne (6.19)

5. Atter Pa Malmtings Blodige Voll (8.13)

6. Balladen Om Bifrost (5.50)

Synopsis: Despite the fact that Einherjer have been in existence since 1993, give or take a few years, and have released a four albums in that period "Norron" is the first of their releases I have actually bought. This could be because I have never been the biggest follower of "Viking Metal" but I have come away impressed with what they have come up with here. Whilst their music is based upon traditonal riffs and themes they have also incorporated epic elements throughout, particularly in opener "Norron Kraft" which is the best song on the album. It took a few listens to fully appreciated but, in the end, "Norron" is one of the better releases I have heard in this stye.

http://www.einherjer.com/

www.myspace.com/einherjermusic

Morbus Chron - Sleepers In The Rift (Pulverised, 2011)



Track Listing:

1. Through The Gaping Gate/Coughing In A Coffin (3.51)

2. Creepy Creeping Creep (3.54)

3. Hymns To A Stiff (3.16)

4. Red Hook Horror (3.32)

5. The Hallucinating Dead (3.33)

6. Ways Of Torture (3.05)

7. Dead Body Pile Necrophile (2.51)

8. Lidless Coffin (4.31)

9. Deformation Of The Dark Matter (6.12)

Synopsis: I have been eagerly anticipating the release of this CD and it certainly delivers. Morbus Chron are undoubtedly old school death metal, dirty and raw, and they are not afraid to introduce doomier moments or groove amongst their unhinged brutality. You can't help but feel that there is also an element of tongue in cheek humour at work here, a deranged one, and the vibrant cover art certainly stands out from their death metal brethren. At just over half an hour it's all too brief but one of my favourite albums of the year regardless.

www.myspace.com/morbuschronband

www.facebook.com/morbuschron

Spires - Spiral Of Ascension (Independent, 2010)

Track Listing:

1. Equilibrium (6.47)

2. The Infinite Descent (6.36)

3. Nightfall (2.17)

4. Broken Hourglass (13.34)

5. Symmetry (4.54)

6. Martyr (10.32)

7. Spiral Of Ascension (14.36)

8. A New Prayer (5.54)

Synopsis: There is no denying that Spires are heavily influenced by Opeth, albeit a less seventies prog influenced Opeth, but that doesn't detract from what they have come up with on "Spiral Of Ascension". Spires are bursting with ideas and have the execution to match, they are progressive but also aggressive utilising quieter acoustics in conjunction with deathlier moments. Given that they have released this themselves it is impressive what they have managed to achieve, you can see the attention to detail, and it's certainly deserving of attention.

www.myspace.com/spiresmetal

Oracle - As Darkness Reigns (Massacre Records, 1993)

Track Listing:

1. Prisoner (Of Your Own Soul) (8.11)

2. Nightmares (6.41)

3. No Faith for The Liar (9.01)

4. As Darkness Reigns (6.54)

5. Paradise (On The Edge Of The World) (4.35)

6. Knights Of The Round Table (7.10)

7. The Watcher (6.29)

8. Prodigy (8.28)

9. In The End (3.48)

Synopsis: This is the one and only album that Oracle released and, to be honest, I knew nothing about the band when I bought it. Fortunately it is quite a good release melding thrash and early ninties progressive metal, Massacre describe used the descriptors progressive power and melody which aren't too far off the mark. Based around a talented guitarist in Kent Smedley, who provides some solid riffs and impressive soloing, Oracle were also fortunate to have a strong vocalist in William Wren who possesses a decent range. Sure, it's not perfect, as you can see above the songs are generally quite lengthy, but this is still well worth investigating.

Immaculate - Atheist Crusade (Stormspell Records, 2010)

Track Listing:

1. Cross Of Nero (5.18)

2. Thrashark (4.47)

3. The Immaculate Dead (4.50)

4. Sanity's Eclipse / Steel Of The Missionary (8.39)

5. Atheist Crusade (8.42)

6. Thrash Metal Avenger (3.45)

7. The Apparition (5.48)

8. Gutterthrash (5.12)

Synopsis: There are obviously a lot of thrash bands out there these days, new and old, but Immaculate have certainly managed to develop their own identity. Their thrash is quite technical, at times it's almost frenzied, and the high pitched vocals might take some getting used to. It is clear that Immaculate have taken a different path to most and their decision to include a Fates Warning cover, "The Apparition", is also very telling. If you are familiar with Toxik then that's as good a comparison as any, "Atheist Crusade" is well worth a listen. 

Disma - Towards The Megalith (Profound Lore, 2011)

Track Listing:

1. Chaos Apparition (4.36)
2. Chasm Of Oceanus (7.13)
3. Spectral Domination (4.38)
4. Vault Of Membros (6.28)
5. Purulent Quest (4.35)
6. Lost In The Burial Fog (6.06)
7. Of A Past Forlorn (6.05)
8. Towards The Megalith (6.22)

Synopsis: I'm afraid it is going to be very difficult for another death metal album to top Disma's "Towards The Megalith" this year such is it's omnipotence. For starters, you just need to look at that artwork, which sets the stage perfectly, and then there's the music; dark, foreboding death metal of the highest quality. Disma are relentless and oppressive, no light, only darkness. They take a classic sound and make it their own whilst retaining a sense of familiarity and it is this that makes "Towards The Megalith" thoroughly compelling listening.

Testament - The New Order (Atlantic, 1988)

Track Listing:

1. Eerie Inhabitants (5.06)
2. The New Order (4.25)
3. Trial By Fire (4.14)
4. Into The Pit (2.46)
5. Hypnosis (2.04)
6. Disciples Of The Watch (5.05)
7. The Preacher (3.37)
8. Nobody's Fault (3.57)
9. A Day Of Reckoning (4.00)
10. Musical Death (A Dirge) (4.05)

Synopsis: Together with Overkill I have always preferred Testament to any of the "big four" and one of the key reasons is "The New Order". Here, on their second album, the band refined a melodic flair to their thrash that was in it's infancy on "The Legacy" and it is, for me, their most consistent and powerful release containing such classics as "Trial By Fire", "Into The Pit" and "Disciples Of The Watch". As far as I am concerned Testament haven't released a bad album over their lengthy career, maybe inconsistent but never bad, and "The New Order" is where the balance was perfected allowing it to more than hold its own with the great albums released by the "big four" the same year.

http://www.testamentlegions.com/



Genetic Wisdom - The Fear Dimension (Mascot, 1993)



Track Listing:

1. Perserverance Kills The Game (5.42)
2. Why Don't You? (8.37)
3. Unfortunate Childhood (6.03)
4. Psycho Love (9.18)
5. Afraid Of Life (8.00)
6. Inside The Triangle (Of Death) (5.44)
7. The Fear Dimension (2.15)
8. Visual Fastfood (5.53)
9. Radical Hatred (7.48)

Synopsis: Genetic Wisdom were a young band trying their hand at progressive thrash metal with mixed results. The talent was clearly there but, unfortunately, some of the execution wasn't. This is compounded by the lengthy songs that sometimes run out of steam and a dated production lacking in power. You could argue that they were over ambitious on their first attempt, we'll put it down to youthful enthusiasm, but "The Fear Dimension" is not without merit and remains worth a listen, particularly to thrash completists.

The Living Fields - Running Out Of Daylight (Candlelight, 2011)

Track Listing:

1. Remnant (6.27)
2. Perseverance (8.44)
3. From Misery To Blood-Drenched Fields (9.18)
4. When The Walls Go Up (3.04)
5. Bitterness (9.00)
6. Glacial Movements (6.52)
7. Intermissione (1.00)
8. Running Out Of Daylight (16.40)

Synopsis: Despite purchasing their self-released "The Miseries Never Cease" from the band a few years ago, I had lost track of The Living Fields until I read that they had signed to Candlelight Records and were about to release "Running Out Of Daylight". It is a challenging work that covers many styles from doom, which seems to underpin everything, to death, to black and even more progressive territory. Most of the time the eclectic nature of the music works in their favour but one thing is certain, The Living Fields have developed a sound all of their own. Their music does take a few listens to fully appreciate but is well worth the effort.

http://www.thelivingfields.com/



Kozeljnik - Deeper The Fall (Paragon, 2010)

Track Listing:

1. The Truth Is Death (7.26)
2. The All-Consuming (6.33)
3. Void To Final Consumption (7.25)
4. Deeper The Fall (9.10)
5. Breeding The Apocalypse (4.07)
6. A.O.T.U (7.03)

Synopsis: "Deeper The Fall" is the second album of this bleak, almost depressive, black metal duo from Serbia. Like most of the releases from Paragon Records this is of high quality, the songs are memorable and based around strong themes while still retaining that dark edge that you'd expect from this style. Sure, there are clear influences from Mayhem, Immortal, later Satyricon etc. but that's not such a bad thing when the music is as well executed as it is here.

http://www.kozeljnik.com/