The Gardnerz - It All Fades (Abyss, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. Don't Look Back (7.24)
2. A Horrible Disease (7.50)
3. Transilvanian Hunger (6.54)
4. It All Fades (4.48)
5. Melatonin (3.48)
6. Erasing Bad Specimen (5.13)

Synopsis: I didn't seek out The Gardnerz' first release "The System Of Nature", in no small part due to the unfortunate band name, however I must admit that they have surprised me with the follow up "It All Fades". This is death metal that somehow retains an old school sound whilst at the same time incorporating cleaner, melodic elements to give them some semblance of an identity. Undoubtedly this release will garner most attention for the interesting interpretation of the Darkthrone classic "Transilvanian Hunger" which isn't heavy in the least instead relying on clean guitars and female vocals, I am still not sure whether this is insanity or genius. I still stand by my first impression, The Gardnerz isn't the best choice of name, but you can't argue with the music which is simple but effective death metal, the aforementioned cover aside.

www.thegardnerz.com

Indesinence - Vessels Of Light And Decay (Profound Lore, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. Flux (0.59)
2. Paradigms (14.10)
3. Vanished Is The Haze (8.22)
4. Communion (6.00)
5. La Madruaga Eterna (4.03)
6. Fading (Further Beyond) (14.48)
7. Unveiled (13.42)

Synopsis: There is an inherent assurance of quality that comes with Profound Lore, even if everything they selectively release isn't to your taste there's no denying their attention to detail. My point? "Vessels Of Light And Decay" looks simply magnificent, the small picture above doesn't do it justice, and the music itself is no less impressive. After an ominous intro this release shows Indesinence to be another fine example of death doom done with conviction, imposing in its sprawling, crushing, miserable weight yet never lacking in substance. It has certainly been a good year for doom and "Vessels Of Light And Decay" stands high on the list.

www.indesinence.co.uk

Merrimack - The Acausal Mass (AFM, 2012)

Track Listing;

1. Vestals Of Descending Light (0.49)
2. Arousing Wombs In Nine Angles Pleroma (5.08)
3. Gospel Of The Void (5.16)
4. Beati Estis Cum Maledixerint Vobis (5.26)
5. Hypophanie (6.49)
6. Obstetrics Of Devourment (5.24)
7. Worms In The Divine Intestine (4.55)
8. Abortion Light (5.26)
9. Liminal Matter Corruption (8.27)

Synopsis: Like Behexen, I discovered Merrimack via their previous release "Grey Rigorism" and it was interesting to see that they had made the jump from Moribund to AFM, a label that have recently been signing more extreme bands after years of the more melodic end of metal.  It is clear that this change has given them greater resources to spread their dark message as everything about "The Acausal Mass" is polished to a razor sharp sheen with the artwork particularly impressive. Musically they don't challenge the black metal norm however this doesn't detract from the overall impact of what is a well written and performed release.

Behexen - Nightside Emanations (Debemur Morti, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. Intro (1.13)
2. Wrathful Dragon Hau-Hra (4.05)
3. Death's Black Light (3.33)
4. Circle Me... (5.41)
5. We Burn With Serpent Fire (6.17)
6. The Luciferian Will (5.13)
7. Awaken Tiamat (6.08)
8. Temple Of The Silent Curses (5.24)
9. Shining Death (4.37)
10. Kiss Of Our Dark Mother (7.14)

Synopsis: Despite having only discovered Behexen on their previous release, "My Soul For His Glory", it did not temper my excitement to hear their latest release "Nightside Emanations" and, thankfully, they have not disappointed in the least. Behexen have achieved that elusive balance between the filth that is such an intrinsic part of black metal and a powerful production that allows the music to make its malevolent presence felt. This is the epitome of what black metal can be, dark and sinister yet clearly intelligent making it an impressive work.

www.facebook.com/behexen.official

Cryptopsy - Cryptopsy (Independent, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. Two-Pound Torch (5.03)
2. Shag Harbour's Visitors (4.21)
3. Red-Skinned Scapegoat (5.57)
4. Damned Draft Dodgers (3.57)
5. Amputated Enigma (4.02)
6. The Golden Square Mile (3.12)
7. Ominous (3.46)
8. Cleansing The Hosts (4.35)

Synopsis: It appears to be widely accepted that "The Unspoken King", released on Century Media in 2008, was a major disappointment. Whilst I didn't find it quite the aberration that most people did, there is no doubt that their new, self-titled release is what Cryptopsy do best. This is, quite simply, one punishing work that does bring to mind their classic "None So Vile" album, albeit with an a more modern approach, showing that Cryptopsy weren't prepared to regress to satisfy their detractors. Instead they have put out a brutal and technical death metal album that will, at the very least, restore their credibility or, more importantly, reclaim their position as one of the more unique bands in death metal.

www.cryptopsy.ca

Grave - Endless Procession Of Souls (Century Media, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. Dystopia (0.33)
2. Amongst Marble And The Dead (5.21)
3. Disembodied Steps (5.42)
4. Flesh Epistle (3.24)
5. Passion Of The Weak (4.35)
6. Winds Of Chains (5.38)
7. Encountering The Divine (3.54)
8. Perimortem (4.41)
9. Plague Of Nations (3.35)
10. Epos (7.43)

Synopsis: What needs to be said about Grave? They were one of the first bands I discovered when getting into death metal via their debut "Into The Grave", the title track is a seminal classic, and I still get excited by each new release. "Endless Procession Of Souls" is their tenth album and, much like Asphyx with "Deathhammer" earlier this year, there are few surprises to be had but that simply doesn't matter because Grave have a formula that works. In some ways that consistency makes a review somewhat redundant however it is still worth noting that Grave remain potent after all this time and can show the new breed of Swedish death metallers how it is meant to be done.

www.grave.se

Evangelist - In Partibus Infidelium (PsycheDOOMelic, 2011)

Track Listing:

1. Children Of Doom (7.20)
2. Funeral Mounds (6.47)
3. Doommonger (7.28)
4. Ulterior Gods (6.18)
5. Cthulhu Rising (7.06)
6. Confiteor (6.35)

Synopsis: Poland is a nation more readily associated with death metal yet Evangelist are here to change that with their release "In Partibus Infidelium" (rough translation: "In the lands of unbelievers"). This is epic doom metal that adheres to all the traditions of the style and, whilst it would be difficult to argue originality given the references that readily spring to mind, it is done with aplomb. Evangelist leave little doubt as to who the unbelievers might be, you need only read the tirade on the booklet, but they back this up with a robust interpretation of the style that you can't help but appreciate.

www.facebook.com/evangelistmetal

Evoken - Atra Mors (Profound Lore, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. Atra Mors (11.54)
2. Descent Into Chaotic Dream (11.13)
3. A Tenebrous Vision (2.19)
4. Grim Eloquence (9.40)
5. An Extrinsic Divide (10.11)
6. Requies Aeterna (1.59)
7. The Unechoing Dread (9.47)
8. Into Aphotic Devastation (10.07)

Synopsis: Profound Lore could not have chosen better than "Atra Mors" for their 100th release as such a milestone is only enhanced by releasing one of the best albums of the year and the most complete Evoken work in their illustrious career. Whilst this is every part as heavy and bleak as predicted, what really takes "Atra Mors" to the next level is the way each song, indeed the album as a whole, builds over its duration. The lighter moments spread throughout, including the two brief interludes, prove just as potent as the crushing doom, a method that Evoken have long utilised but have truly perfected here. From the outset my expectations for "Atra Mors" were very high yet, somehow, Evoken have exceeded them. Brilliant!

www.facebook.com/pages/Evoken-Official/91505789372

Tankard - A Girl Called Cerveza (Nuclear Blast, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. Rapid Fire (A Tyrant's Elegy) (5.12)
2. A Girl Called Cerveza (4.14)
3. Witch-Hunt 2.0 (5.42)
4. Masters Of Farces (4.08)
5. The Metal Ladyboy (4.59)
6. Not One Day Dead (But Mad One Day) (4.01)
7. Son Of A Fridge (5.53)
8. Fandom At Random (5.27)
9. Metal Magnolia (5.07)
10. Running On Fumes (5.30)

Synopsis: Tankard have built a lengthy career, thirty years and counting, around their drunken thrash however their recent output has been inconsistent to say the least as previous albums were a bit hit or miss as far as the overall quality of the songs went. Maybe it's the jump to Nuclear Blast or the abundance of thrash competition but their latest album "A Girl Called Cerveza", whilst not straying from their inebriated formula, seems to rectify this problem to some degree. Some of the songs and humour still fall flat but a song like "Witch-Hunt 2.0" shows what Tankard are capable of when they get it right.

www.tankard.info

Dew-Scented - Icarus (Prosthetic, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. Hubris (1.28)
2. Sworn To Obey (3.54)
3. Thrown To The Lions (4.29)
4. Storm Within (4.06)
5. Gleaming Like Silver (3.50)
6. By My Own Hand (3.42)
7. The Fall Of Man (4.03)
8. Reawakening (4.35)
9. Destined To Collapse (4.40)
10. A Final Procession (4.42)
11. Perpetuated (3.16)

Synopsis: It could be argued that Dew-Scented have pretty much released the same album repeatedly such is the consistency of their sound and "Icarus" isn't likely to change that perception. Still, they have their own take on thrash that doesn't sound like anyone else in particular and, despite line-up changes, it is performed with the confidence of band that is experienced and clear on what they do. As someone who discovered the band on "Ill-Natured" and have followed them ever since I, personally, have no issue with their ongoing adherence to their chosen style, especially when it's as good as "Icarus".

www.dew-scented.net

Dust Bolt - Violent Demolition (Napalm, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. Opulence Contaminated (4.25)
2. Violent Abolition (3.31)
3. March Thru Pain (5.16)
4. Shattered By Reality (3.46)
5. Toxic Attack (5.01)
6. Into Madness (3.55)
7. Oblivion (5.36)
8. Pleasure On Illusion (4.38)
9. Deviance (5.32)

Synopsis: No-one has enjoyed the recent thrash revival more than I however it is getting more difficult to find bands that bring something new to the style. Case in point, Dust Bolt and their debut "Violent Demolition" which ticks all the boxes you would expect of a thrash release, from the artwork to their actual sound, but doesn't push beyond the standard formula we have all come to know. That said, there is nothing inherently wrong with what you hear and "Violent Demolition" is a thoroughly enjoyable release with some strong ideas so it remains a worthwhile investment where you will know exactly what you are getting from the outset.

www.facebook.com/dustbolt

Ancient Ascendant - Into The Dark (Forepoint, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. The Veil (1.11)
2. Blood Calls (5.12)
3. Driven By The Dark (6.00)
4. Casting The Shroud Aside (4.37)
5. Under Ancient Stone (5.32)

Synopsis: Ancient Ascendant have wasted little time in following up last years "The Grim Awakening" and the decision to do so is easily justified by the music on "Into The Dark". The first thing that strikes you is the magnificent artwork, which isn't your typical fare for a death metal band, yet this is the level of quality throughout. Ancient Ascendant manage to combine a degree of complexity with straight forward aggression and subtle streaks of melody that grab your attention and never let go. Given that "Into The Dark" was mixed and mastered by Dan Swano at Unisound it has a great sound, in fact, there is scarcely any fault to be found with it so I only hope that Ancient Ascendant can keep this standard moving forward. If so, they will be a force to be reckoned with.

www.ancientascendant.com

Gorephilia - Embodiment Of Death (Dark Descent, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. Pantheon In Flames (4.33)
2. 7 Gates, 7 Spheres (4.02)
3. Forget Mortality (4.25)
4. Gods Stand Aghast (4.58)
5. Exist To Suffer (5.18)
6. Bloodspawn (2.00)
7. Saints Without Souls (4.44)
8. Vision Of Hell (6.43)

Synopsis: The ever reliable Dark Descent Records does it again, this time with Gorephilia and their debut full-length "Embodiment Of Death". This is pure death metal that pummels from the opening second, never letting up for its duration, and demonstrates that the band have smoothed the rough edges from "Ascend To Chaos" to come up with a truly memorable album. The production is perfectly suited to their style, thick and heavy yet not over polished and the cover art is one of the more disturbing I have seen in some time. "Embodiment Of Death" is aptly titled as it exemplifies what death metal is all about, Finnish style.

www.gorephilia.com

Miseration - Tragedy Has Spoken (Lifeforce, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. Stepping Stone Agenda (5.00)
2. Children Of The Flames (3.27)
3. Ghost Barrier (4.24)
4. Ciniphes (4.51)
5. Hill Of The Poison Tree (2.22)
6. Disaster Cage (3.13)
7. On Wings Of Brimstone (4.46)
8. White Light/Black Rain (4.06)
9. Tomb Of Tephra (4.05)
10. Waylayer (6.03)

Synopsis: I really enjoyed the two previous Miseration releases, both of which were decent examples of melodic death metal, so I thought it a pretty safe bet that their latest, "Tragedy Has Spoken", would be along similar lines. Unfortunately this isn't the case and I find this a difficult album to take to, despite quite a few listens. It is certainly far more aggressive and technical than its predecessors, not a bad thing in itself, however the songs just don't stick in the memory and, as a result, it is difficult to fully enagage with the music. Miseration are still very good at what they do, and there are certainly some tracks that work better than others, but overall I found "Tragedy Has Spoken" somewhat disappointing.

www.facebook.com/miseration.official

Necrovation - Necrovation (Agonia, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. Necrovorous Insurrection (4.03)
2. Dark Lead Dead (5.28)
3. Pulse Of Towering Madness (4.35)
4. Commander Of Remains (3.52)
5. New Depths (4.17)
6. Sepulchrial (5.38)
7. Resurrectionist (6.36)
8. The Transition (5.28)
9. Ill Mouth Madness (The Many) (6.38)

Synopsis: Necrovation return after a four year absence and they have certainly made some hefty changes to their sound. They remain a death metal band first and foremost, there is no denying that fact, however they have also broadened their scope and it is always exciting to listen to an album like this that is dark and heavy yet unpredictable, you never quite know where it will be coming from next. "Breed Deadness Blood" was a good first effort but everything Necrovation have done here has resulted a degree of separation from the death metal masses and for that they have to be admired.

www.necrovation.com

(EchO) - Devoid Of Illusions (BadMoodMan, 2011)

Track Listing:

1. Intro (0.45)
2. Summoning The Crimson Soul (7.29)
3. Unforgiven March (9.23)
4. The Coldest Land (9.08)
5. Internal Morphosis (9.17)
6. Omnivoid (8.23)
7. Disclaiming My Faults (7.22)
8. Once Was A Man (6.44)
9. Sounds From Out Of Space (7.26)

Synopsis: The initial impression of (EchO) is that they are a fairly traditional death/doom band however as "Devoid Of Illusions", their debut album, progresses the band reveal a greater scope to their sound than it might have first seemed. There is no doubt the aforementioned death/doom provides the basis for their music but there are a lot of lighter moments, based around clean vocals and guitars, atmospheric keyboards and even some thick grooves that are more Meshuggah than My Dying Bride. "Devoid Of Illusions" is a precocious release that contains a lot of depth and it reveals (EchO) as a new band with a great deal of potential.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/EchO/141116903052

Advent Sorrow - Before The Dimming Light (Independent, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. Before The Dimming Light (4.34)
2. The Wraith In Silence (4.58)
3. A Porcelain Mistress (4.26)
4. Insidious Memories (4.06)
5. Withered By Her Curse (6.57)

Synopsis: Symphonic black metal is a hard style to pull off successfully as the metallic element is often forgotten in favour of creating an epic sound or, alternatively, the symphonic elements never quite manage to fulfill expectations. Thankfully, Advent Sorrow have managed to avoid such problems and have achieved a good balance between aggressive riffing, well orchestrated keyboard flourishes and a suitably dark aura. Overall, it is admirable what they have achieved on their debut release, one that reflects the better known proponents of the style but still retains some sense of individuality, and "Before The Dimming Light" demonstrates that symphonic black metal isn't necessarily without merit.

www.adventsorrow.com

Ereb Altor - Gastrike (Napalm, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. The Gathering Of Witches (5.39)
2. Dance Of Darkness (6.19)
3. Dispellation (6.41)
4. Boatman's Call (5.38)
5. The Mistress Of Wisdom (8.25)
6. I Djupet Sa Svart (6.15)
7. Seven (6.11)

Synopsis: The unassuming artwork that adorns the latest Ereb Altor release belies the stylistic change that their music has undergone since their previous album "The End". Ereb Altor have become far darker and more aggressive and, whilst the clear references to Bathory remain present, there is also a greater incorporation of black metal that makes "Gastrike" sound very different from its predecessor. That isn't to say it is a bad thing, it is done so well there is little room for complaint, and the epic doom that Ereb Altor do so well is still present throughout meaning that, initial surprises aside, "Gastrike" is sure to be one of the better albums of the year.

www.facebook.com/ErebAltorOfficial

Aenaon - Cendres Et Sang (Aural Music, 2011)

Track Listing:

1. Kafkaesque (0.45)

2. Suncord (6.42)

3. Psychonautic Odyssey (5.19)

4. Grand Narcotic Harvest (4.46)

5. Once Finite (4.51)

6. Carnivora's Lair (5.24)

7. Necroscope (6.25)

8. Kraanerg (5.22)

9. Black Nerve (8.25)

10. In Heaven (5.00)

Synopsis: Sometimes the best albums are the ones you least expect and the most rewarding the ones you seek out. "Cendres Et Sang", the debut by this Greek band, is just such a release as it is one of the most memorable black metal albums that I have heard recently, one that is suitably dark yet varied. There is certainly a degree of forward thinking evident, the album ends with a David Lynch cover, and Aenaon incorporate a lot of texture and depth into each song all of which is wrapped in a gloriously heavy production that gives the music ample weight. Aenaon are a band I shall certainly be keeping my eye on and "Cendres Et Sang" is recommended to all who enjoy a more refined take on black metal.

 

http://www.aenaon-band.com/

Officium Triste / Ophis - Immersed (Memento Mori, 2012)

Track Listing:

Officium Triste

1. Repent (6.16)
2. Bittersweet Memories (10.57)

Ophis

3. Storm Of Shards (10.23)
4. The Mirthless (12.26)

Synopsis: This split features two doom bands that I have listened to for some time, Officium Triste from Holland and Ophis from Germany, both of which have differing takes on the style. Of the two, Officium Triste are the more melancholic as each of their songs are built around keyboards and gloomy melodies that convey emotion and loss. Ophis, on the other hand, are less refined yet far more crushing as they rely less on melody and more on slow, primal riffing that gives a sense of anger and frustration rather than melancholy. I don't buy too many split releases but this was one I had to have and it was well worth the investment.

http://www.officiumtriste.com/

http://www.ophisdoom.de/

Consummatum Est - Hypnagogia (Silent Time Noise, 2010)

Track Listing:

1. Dolls And Ravens (12.17)
2. Hypnagogic Prospectus (12.17)
3. Consummatum Est (14.37)
4. Vertebra (11.15)

Synopsis: Consummatum Est can readily be deemed a funeral doom band and, whilst the term gothic is often used in relation to the style, "Hypnagogia" certainly lives up to that description such is the nature of the music. There are still some reminders of their blackened past throughout as each song ebbs and flows between metallic and quieter moments that are generally well integrated, particularly the female vocals and keys. Dark and atmospheric, "Hypnagogia" is an intriguing effort that does succeed in creating it's own identity within an established framework.

www.myspace.com/consummatumest

Carach Angren - Where The Corpses Sink Forever (Season Of Mist, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. An Ominous Recording (1.58)

2. Lingering In An Imprint Haunting (5.04)

3. Bitte Totet Mich (5.03)

4. The Funerary Dirge Of A Violinist (8.04)

5. Sir John (4.27)

6. Spectral Infantry Battalions (2.04)

7. General Nightmare (4.19)

8. Little Hector, What Have You Done? (4.55)

9. These Fields Are Lurking (Seven Pairs Of Demon Eyes) (7.15)

Synopsis: There is something very theatrical about "Where The Corpses Sink Forever" and I must admit that I am somewhat unsure what I think of it even after quite a few listens. Carach Angren tell tales through black metal and embellish it with orchestration almost to the point where the metal is an after thought. This isn't to say the songs themselves are mundane, it is clear a great deal of thought has gone into the composition, but at times I found myself craving more aggression such as "Bitte Totet Mich" where they show how good it can be. Carach Angren provide a metallic soundtrack to an unfolding nightmare of their own design, one that is definitely worth consideration.

http://www.carach-angren.nl/

Fetus Stench - Stillbirth (Abyss Records, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. Meat Grinder Flesh Obliteration (4.29)
2. Stillborn Son (3.35)
3. Brennkommando (3.54)
4. The Outer Island (4.26)
5. Severe Suffering (3.30)
6. Necrosis (2.23)
7. Bashed, Defaced And Disfigured (4.52)
8. Descending Into The Realm Of The Dead (5.32)
9. By Butchery Divorced (4.57)

Synopsis: Fetus Stench are in no way ambiguous and their debut album "Stillbirth" certainly makes its purpose quite clear from the outset, this is death metal pure and simple. Despite being Swedish they have, thankfully, not taken the "old school" route that is so popular these days choosing instead to have a more contemporary sound that is simple in intent and effective in execution. Sure, Fetus Stench aren't pushing any boundaries but that really isn't the point. "Stillbirth" looks good, is well written and is damn heavy, what more could you ask for?

www.facebook.com/fetusstench

Ahab - The Giant (Napalm, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. Further South (8.55)
2. Aeons Elapse (12.44)
3. Deliverance (Shouting At The Dead) (7.52)
4. Antarctica (The Polymorphess) (11.45)
5. Fathoms Deep Below (9.07)
6. The Giant (10.36)
7. Time's Like Molten Lead (11.02)

Synopsis: Admittedly, despite my love of doom, I haven't managed to invest in the two previous releases by Ahab so their latest, "The Giant", is my first encounter with their music and it is certainly a positive one. They have taken a different direction with the artwork on this one, gone are the classic nautical paintings that adorned their previous works, which is a big change for sure. Ahab manage to create doom that can, like the ocean that serves as their subject matter, be quiet one minute and angry the next wrapped an organic production that suits it perfectly. With such intelligent song writing "The Giant" is a doom album with a difference and tangible depth. 

http://www.ahab-doom.de/

Gorod - A Perfect Absolution (Listenable, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. The Call To Redemption (1.10)

2. Birds Of Sulphur (3.58)

3. Sailing Into The Earth (4.55)

4. Elements And Spirit (5.07)

5. The Axe Of God (3.46)

6. 5000 At The Funeral (5.53)

7. Carved In The Wind (6.19)

8. Varangian Paradise (4.32)

9. Tribute Of Blood (4.02)

Synopsis: Gorod are back with their highly complex and challenging interpretation of death metal on "A Perfect Absolution", an album that isn't easily digested but rewards with multiple listens. There are a lot of twists and turns throughout and it is fair to say that they cram a great deal into the duration including the odd surprise that can catch you off guard when it happens. This certainly isn't an album that can be listened to for a straight forward bludgeoning, though it is capable of that if need be, but technical death metal doesn't get much better than this either.

www.facebook.com/GorodOfficial

Skon - ...At The End Of A Journey... (Hexencave, 2010)

Track Listing:

1. Forever Lost (9.06)

2. Hopeless Words (7.10)

3. Cold Ways (5.12)

4. At The End Of A Journey (7.19)

Synopsis: This one man project from Slovakia is built around a staunch devotion to classic Katatonia and "...At The End Of A Journey..." does, to it's credit, sound like a decent replication of that sound albeit with a bit of doom and black metal thrown into the mix. If anything the cover of "Cold Ways" is the most disappointing song on the CD largely due to the mediocre guest vocalist however, putting that aside, the music here does have that downcast feeling and melodic air that gives the three (un)original compositions some degree of merit.

Rote Mare - Serpents Of The Church (Altsphere, 2011)

Track Listing:

1. Serpents Of The Church (11.15)
2. Crossroads (10.36)
3. Slow Decay (Sonic Mantra) (7.55)
4. Funeral Song (14.35)
5. The Martyr (12.35)
6. In Dooms Name (The Chosen Ones) (7.33)
7. Children Of The Sabbath (11.50)

Synopsis: Rote Mare worship at the altar of traditional doom metal and, as certain song titles would indicate, they do this with clear conviction. Whilst the song lengths might scare off the uninitiated Rote Mare do mix things up from the slow, heavy riffing that one would expect to groovier passages and some downright aggressive moments and it is this variation, always within the scope of their chosen style, that makes "Serpents Of The Church" such a fine doom metal album. The band states that "Doom metal is true metal" and a couple of listens to this album might just convince you they are right.

http://www.rotemaredoom.com/

Ketzer - Endzeit Metropolis (Necroshrine, 2012)

Track Listing:
1. Endzeit Metropolis (3.54)
2. A Requiem For Beauty (5.47)
3. The Fever's Tide (4.14)
4. Aesthetics And Ecstasy (4.48)
5. Farewell, Fade Away (1.57)
6. Collector Of Worlds (4.08)
7. Redeemed By Truth (4.07)
8. He, Who Stands Behind The Rows (9.03)

Synopsis: This is an excellent thrash album that manages to sound reminiscent of the classic German bands, you can no doubt guess who, but also adds a contemporary, darker edge to the music. Admittedly I haven't heard their debut but, for only their second album, Ketzer show themselves to be a band with a firm grasp on their sound and they play to their strengths at all times. "Endzeit Necropolis" is one of the better albums I have heard in this style, and is sure to spark nostalgia in some, and it will certainly appeal to those who love blackened thrash such as Desaster or Aura Noir.

http://www.ketzer-official.de/

Black Jesus - Black Jesus Saves (The Coffins Slave, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. Cycles Of Fear (1.26)

2. Black Jesus Saves (2.10)

3. The Devouring (3.39)

4. Dead In Their Tracks (1.20)

5. Doctrine Of Denial (2.39)

6. River Bleeds Black (1.51)

7. Age Of Advance (2.49)

8. Atrocity Generator (2.52)

Synopsis: Black Jesus, from Melbourne, play old school death metal that brings to mind bands such as Autopsy or Repulsion and it proves a simple yet effective formula that they execute to raw perfection. Originally released by the band themselves as a demo a couple of years ago it has now been pressed onto CD by The Coffin's Slave and, while it retains the production values of the demo, the songs still impress and that cover art looks magnificent.

www.facebook.com/TheTrueBlackJesus

Paradise Lost - Tragic Idol (Century Media, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. Solitary One (4.08)

2. Crucify (4.07)

3. Fear Of Impending Hell (5.24)

4. Honesty In Death (4.07)

5. Theories From Another World (5.02)

6. In This We Dwell (3.54)

7. To The Darkness (5.09)

8. Tragic Idol (4.34)

9. Worth Fighting For (4.11)

10. The Glorious End (5.23)

Synopsis: Following Paradise Lost over the years has been an interesting ride yet "Tragic Idol" sees this venerable institution rediscovering their classic sound without regressing or plagiarising themselves. There is no doubt that "Tragic Idol" is regularly reminiscent of "Icon" or "Draconian Times", particularly in the trademark guitar harmonies and solos, but that isn't to say that there isn't anything new to offer. It's great to hear some of the morose doom that really made Paradise Lost so important to metal in the nineties and there is also a subtle injection of atmosphere as well. After such a long, and at times varied, career it is reassuring to hear that Paradise Lost are still capable of producing great heavy music.

http://www.paradiselost.co.uk/

Decomposed - Hope Finally Died... (Candlelight, 1994)

Track Listing:

1. Inscriptions (7.30)

2. Taste The Dying (4.36)

3. Falling Apart (6.24)

4. At Rest (6.43)

5. Instrumental (6.26)

6. Procession (6.04)

7. (Forever) Lying In State (3.42)

Synopsis: I'm not sure if many people remember this album which is a travesty as it is a fine example of doom/death, one that I still find myself listening to regularly. Decomposed provided a soundtrack to bereavement and loss based around a simple formula that is executed to perfection. Generally slow and crawling, with the odd burst of speed to liven things up, the outlook is funereal yet it is not without melody as was the case with other bands from the U.K during this period. There is no doubt the cover is a bit garish, from memory it wasn't actually meant to be that colour, but once you get past that initial impression "Hope Finally Died..." is an album of merit that, once heard, won't be forgotten.

Hour Of Penance - Sedition (Prosthetic, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. Transubstantiatio (0.59)
2. Enlightened Submission (3.38)
3. Decimate The Ancestry Of The Only God (4.49)
4. Fall Of The Servants (3.20)
5. Ascension (4.04)
6. The Cannibal Gods (3.56)
7. Sedition Through Scorn (3.26)
8. Deprave To Redeem (4.02)
9. Blind Obedience (3.09)

Synopsis: Hour Of Penance remind me of their countrymen Fleshgod Apocalypse in the manner in which they unleash their intense, brutal death metal. Whilst they don't employ the orchestration or choirs employed by the latter Hour Of Penance are precise and unleash their vitriol in a maelstrom of fast riffing and even faster drumming that gives little respite for the half hour duration. As much as I love the renewed interest in old school death metal it is always great to hear the more modern style performed so well and Hour Of Penance certainly show their ample abilities on "Sedition".

http://www.hourofpenance.net/

Inverloch - Dusk Subside (Relapse, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. Within Frozen Beauty (7.13)
2. The Menin Road (6.21)
3. Shadows Of The Flame (8.44)

Synopsis: Disembowelment were such a great band, and a major part of my initiation into doom, so it was a foregone conclusion that I would be purchasing the first release of Inverloch, a band with strong ties to that group. In light of this connection and pedigree I can gladly say that "Dusk Subside" is exactly what I hoped to hear. Whilst there are obviously clear links to Disembowelment in the slower, doomier moments it wouldn't be fair to only view them in this context as Inverloch are an entity in their own right. Dark, heavy and aggressive these three songs show so much promise and the only possible gripe is the duration, or lack thereof, so I can only hope that there will be more to come, sooner rather than later.

www.facebook.com/InverlochOfficial

Fester - A Celebration Of Death (Abyss Records, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. Rites Of Ceres (7.11)
2. The Black Tower (6.33)
3. March Of Death (8.19)
4. I'll Hunt You Down (6.09)
5. Metalized (3.28)
6. Jeg Spytter Pa Deg (7.32)
7. Last Day Of Battle Pt.I (1.16)
8. Last Day Of Battle Pt.2 (6.14)
9. A Face For A Funeral (2.52)
10. Rites Of Mortiis (4.56)

Synopsis: I have owned Fester's two previous releases, "Winter Of Sin" (1992) and "Silence" (1994), for some time so I was interested to see what they would be able to come up with having reformed after a lengthy hiatus. Unfortunately, "A Celebration Of Death" doesn't make for the most exciting listening experience as it is one of those releases where the overall sound is, at times, difficult to get used to and this impedes the music, particularly the drums  which sound manufactured. It's not all bad, there are some good ideas here and the songs are quite well written, but I just feel like it could have been so much more.

http://www.myspace.festerwinterofsin/

Skirmish - Through The Abacinated Eyes (Violent Journey, 2011)

Track Listing:

1. Premonition (3.47)
2. Conquest (3.39)
3. Insurgency (5.43)
4. Mystery In A Blazing Dream (5.46)
5. Death Beyond (4.52)
6. Astral Infinity (5.13)
7. Indebted (5.48)
8. The Forlorn Masque (5.47)

Synopsis: Skirmish play an aggressive blend of thrash and death metal that, whilst not likely to change the world of metal, serves as an enjoyable forty minutes of primal auditory violence. It's certainly a very heavy album with a slightly rough production that actually works in its favour and the songs are well written, one minute they are raging by in a speed frenzy and the next there are strong, heavy riffs and grooves to latch onto. I actually bought this together with a couple of other Violent Journey releases, Fleshred and Witheria, and found all three to be of high quality so it is another label that I will be keeping an eye out for in the future.

www.facebook.com/SkirmishBand

Liar - Cheatin' Games (Steamhammer, 1991)

Track Listing:

1. Five Minutes To Go (6.25)

2. You Will Never (4.51)

3. Animals (4.58)

4. Love (3.27)

5. Standing On The Wrong Side (4.38)

6. Boys Don't Cry (5.56)

7. Liar (4.14)

8. Take Away (6.15)

9. Flamin' Youth (6.43)

10. B.4.R (5.53)

Synopsis: After one album on Century Media, Liar jumped ship and released their second album which comes across as a logical development from its predecessor. The production is better, resulting in the keyboards being more up front, and the songwriting has been somewhat improved but the underlying problem of inconsistency continues. Some of the songs are quite enjoyable whilst others don't fare as well and this could be a good reason why Liar never quite made it into the big leagues, they were not thrashy enough for the diehard thrasher nor were they polished enough for those who enjoyed traditional metal.

Liar - Nothing But The Truth (Century Media, 1989)

Track Listing:

1. D.C.W (6.31)

2. Dance On Fire (4.59)

3. Batman (4.58)

4. Lonely Boy (3.30)

5. See You Again (6.06)

6. War (No Solution) (4.14)

7. Run For Me (5.02)

8. It Hurts (4.28)

9. I Don't Care (5.09)

10. Hello My Friend (1.32)

Synopsis: Despite often being referred to as a thrash band Liar really weren't that heavy or aggressive and, while there are certainly thrashier riffs scattered here and there, their metal comes across as far more traditional fare due to their constant use of keyboards. As the cover would attest this isn't anything too serious and they do manage to include a Sex Pistols cover ("Lonely Boy") but it's probably best not to be mislead by the thrash references otherwise it is quite likely to disappoint despite having its moments.



Injury - Unleash The Violence (Punishment 18, 2011)

Track Listing:

1. Ignorance (3.16)

2. The Execution (3.31)

3. Busy Killing (4.34)

4. Violence Unleashed (4.07)

5. Messiah Of The Undone (4.45)

6. Food For Vultures (5.28)

7. Death Routine (3.56)

8. Fear Of Nothing (6.59)

9. Denying My Soul (4.01)

Synopsis: Injury are a thrash band that plays it straight, without any surprises, yet the end result on "Unleash The Violence" is actually quite good. Sounding like an amalgam of present day Exodus and Testament the riffing is heavy and suitably aggressive with a solid production that gives it weight and, from a superficial viewpoint, I just love the cover. This is certainly one of those albums that sounds great at full volume and takes a familiar formula yet still manages to make it enticing, something that can't be said about all thrash albums these days.

www.myspace.com/injuryviolence