The Vein - Scouring The Wreckage Of Time (Shadow Kingdom, 2013)

Track Listing:

 Chapter I: The Poisoned Chalice

1. Pale Dawn Rising (7.33)

2. Seeds Of Blasphemy (6.46)

3. Acedia (1.51)

4. The Poisoned Chalice (6.38)

Chapter II: Born Into Grey Domains 

5. The Great Deception (8.22)

6. Carving A Labyrinth Of Despair (13.57)

Synopsis: The Vein is a project created by members of Altar Of Oblivion however, rather than the epic doom that they normally play, the music on "Scouring The Wreckage Of Time" is death/doom metal with a decidedly nineties feel to it, not the type of band usually associated with Shadow Kingdom Records. Thankfully this hasn't been treated as a mere exercise in nostalgia, The Vein reverently pay homage to their chosen style and, whilst it is a relatively simple formula, they do so with aplomb particularly the way they incorporate cleaner guitars and keys in the overall sound to add texture. As this is a combination of two separate recordings there is a slight drop in sound quality for the two songs that were originally released as "Born Into Grey Domains" but this change isn't so pronounced that it has a detrimental effect on the outcome. Shadow Kingdom have recently announced that this won't be repressed so it's well worth visiting their store an acquiring a copy while it is still available.

www.shadowkingdomrecords.com

Amon Amarth - Deceiver Of The Gods (Metal Blade, 2013)

Track Listing:

1. Deceiver Of The Gods (4.19)
2. As Loke Falls (4.38)
3. Father Of The Wolf (4.19)
4. Shape Shifter (4.02)
5. Under Siege (6.17)
6. Blood Eagle (3.15)
7. We Shall Destroy (4.25)
8. Hel (4.09)
9. Coming Of The Tide (4.16)
10. Warriors Of The North (8.12)

Synopsis: I certainly can't claim to be the biggest Amon Amarth fan, whilst I have always enjoyed what they have done in the past I don't hold them in the same regard that many seem to do. In light of this I am surprised how much I am enjoying "Deceiver Of The Gods" which is certainly the most dynamic and engaging effort of their career to date. Maybe this is a result from the change to Andy Sneap, who has refreshed their sound, or a period of inspired song writing, the answer is probably a bit of both, either way this is Amon Amarth at their best. There are few surprises to be heard, other than the appearance of former Candlemass vocalist Messiah Marcolin on "Hel", so "Deceiver Of The Gods" will certainly appeal to long time followers but it also has the potential to sway those like me who never quite bought in previously.

www.amonamarth.com

Sinister Realm - World Of Evil (Shadow Kingdom, 2013)

Track Listing:

1. Dark Angel Of Fate (4.24)
2. Bell Strikes Fear (4.13)
3. World Of Evil (6.21)
4. The Ghosts Of Nevermore (6.52)
5. Prophets Of War (5.10)
6. Cyber Villain (6.17)
7. The Forest Of Souls (1.33)
8. Four Black Witches (8.43)

Synopsis: Sinister Realm return for album number three, sporting one of the best covers you are likely to see this year, and thankfully, when it comes down to it, the music is equally impressive. This is just pure heavy metal, with a subtle injection of doom, not retro by any means but also not overtly modern either. There is also a good balance between slower tracks and more up tempo numbers such as standout "Prophets Of War" all of which are memorable and potent. Overall "World Of Evil" is exactly what you would want from a band in this style, classic metal performed with power and conviction resulting in one of the highlights of the year to date.

www.sinisterrealm.net

Obsidieth - Winter (Independent, 2013)

Track Listing:

1. Into The White (2.14)
2. Shallows Of The Ancestors (4.55)
3. A New Reign (4.34)
4. This Decadent Heir (4.07)
5. First Of The Nine (5.50)

Synopsis: For some reason I managed to overlook Obsidieth's debut "In Loss Of All", released in 2009, so my first encounter with the band is their new opus "Winter" and after just a couple of listens I have come away from it very impressed. This is melodic death metal done the right way, built around some very solid, heavy riffs and well placed keys that propel each song forward with momentum all the while keeping the balance just right. Obsidieth have also done a good job with the production which sounds full and well balanced and it gives the music the punch it requires so, overall, there is a lot to like here. "Winter" is certainly an enjoyable, albeit brief, listen showing Obsidieth to be one band to keep an eye on if they continue on this path.

www.facebook.com/obsidieth

Scorned Deity - Adventum (Independent, 2013)

Track Listing:

1. Adventum (3.03)
2. The Hand Of Will (5.18)
3. Preserver (4.02)
4. Ritus (1.38)
5. From A Lion Of Gold (4.16)
6. A Screever In Our Midst (4.21)
7. Pantastic (5.52)
8. Colors Shed (4.53)
9. Slowlamaka (4.50)
10. Bread Trails (1.51)
11. A Spectacle In Red (5.04)

Synopsis: Scorned Deity are another band with whom I wasn't familiar until now but their second release "Adventum" will certainly rank highly in my top albums of the year such is it's high quality. I've seen them described as melodic death metal however, if this is the case, it is one of the more aggressive takes on the style I have heard and it is also infused with a dark, blackened undercurrent that gives the music a decidedly harsher feel. Operatic vocals add another dimension and these are incorporated seamlessly at specific moments, as are keyboards, offering welcome atmosphere. Regardless of descriptions, "Adventum" is an outstanding effort and well worth the investment.

www.scorneddeity.com

Trail Of Tears - Oscillation (Massacre, 2013)

Track Listing:

1. Waves Of Existence (4.12)
2. Scream Out Loud (4.36)
3. Crimson Leads On The Trail Of Tears (5.16)
4. Oscillation (4.27)
5. Path Of Destruction (6.02)
6. Vultures Guard My Shadow (4.18)
7. The Dawning (4.11)
8. Room 306 (4.17)
9. Our Grave Philosophy (4.52)
10. Lost In Life (5.09)
11. Eradicate (4.09)

Synopsis: The attention given to the acrimonious split of Trail Of Tears provides some degree of context for their latest, and as it turns out final, release "Oscillation". For me they have always been an inconsistent band, their second album "Profoundemonium" remains my favourite, and unfortunately this is unlikely to change based on what I have heard on this one. It isn't that "Oscillation" is lacking in any redeeming features, there are good moments spread throughout such as "Our Grave Philosophy", it's just that it isn't memorable as a whole and comes across as somewhat disjointed. Perhaps it is the circumstances under which it was recorded but "Oscillation" probably isn't the swansong that Trail Of Tears were intending it to be and it's a shame that it couldn't have turned out better.

www.trailoftears.no

My Dying Bride - The Manuscript (Peaceville, 2013)

Track Listing:

1. The Manuscript (6.24)
2. Var Gud Over Er (8.49)
3. A Pale Shroud Of Longing (7.48)
4. Only Tears To Replace Her With (4.20)

Synopsis: I am probably the last person who should try to review something by My Dying Bride, they have long been one of my favourite bands, however I can safely say that their latest release carries on the positive momentum they have been building over their last couple of albums. In some way it is a synopsis of the various forms they have taken over their career, though it is never overtly regressive, and it shows that the dark, gloomy outlook that they have all but perfected is still captivating. There are the heavy riffs, emotive violin and well placed quieter moments that you would come to expect and it is also great to hear some growls making their way to the fore. I could easily get used to this more prolific My Dying Bride, especially if they continue to produce doom of such a high standard.

www.mydyingbride.net

Flotsam & Jetsam - Ugly Noise (Metal Blade, 2013)

Track Listing:

1. Ugly Noise (4.10)
2. Gitty Up (3.09)
3. Run And Hide (5.28)
4. Carry On (4.18)
5. Rabbits Foot (4.16)
6. Play Your Part (5.28)
7. Rage (3.24)
8. Cross The Sky (4.44)
9. Motherfuckery (3.07)
10. I Believe (2.53)
11. To Be Free (3.08)
12. Machine Gun (3.17)

Synopsis: I must confess, Flotsam & Jetsam took me by surprise with their previous release "The Cold" and it gave the impression that they had rediscovered their touch after a run of less than impressive releases. Having listened to "Ugly Noise" it would appear that this was not the case as their latest effort lacks the heaviness and aggression that made its predecessor so enjoyable. Instead Flotsam & Jetsam have reverted back to listless, uninspired groove metal and most of the songs lack any fire at all, even a song titled "Rage" is anything but vehement. It isn't like I was expecting a return to their thrash heyday, that wouldn't be at all realistic or necessary, but it is unfortunate that "Ugly Noise" is just what it purports to be and not in a good way!

Cathedral - The Last Spire (Rise Above, 2013)

Track Listing:

1. Entrance To Hell (3.15)
2. Pallbearer (12.04)
3. Cathedral Of The Damned (6.01)
4. Tower Of Silence (7.09)
5. Infestation Of Grey Death (9.22)
6. An Observation (10.42)
7. The Last Laugh (0.39)
8. This Body, Thy Tomb (9.07)

Synopsis: As a Cathedral devotee, I must admit that listening to "The Last Spire" raises conflicting emotions. Whilst I have to respect their decision to go out on their own terms I am still sorry to see them bid adieu, particularly when they release an album like this. "The Last Spire" isn't quite the return to their debut that many thought it was to be however it is certainly their doomiest effort for some time and it also offers reminders of the vagaries that marked their esteemed career. Ultimately any existing fan of the band are sure to enjoy this, there are some mighty heavy riffs throughout, and you just can't help but feel that, despite this being their farewell, Cathedral still have much to offer if that wasn't the case.

www.cathedralcoven.com

Convulse - Inner Evil (Svart, 2013)

Track Listing:

1. Inner Evil (5.55)
2. God Is Delusion (6.05)

Synopsis: I guess it's appropriate for all these death metal bands to exhume themselves from their dormancy and you can add Convulse to that list. Having released a well regarded album, "World Without God", they are back together after a lengthy hiatus and "Inner Evil" is a good way to reintroduce themselves. Even though each song is lengthy that doesn't necessarily mean they have evolved too far, it is still primal, dark, death metal at work and it certainly bodes well for a possible full length though I can't help but feel like there's still work to be done to ensure they are still relevant.

www.facebook.com/convulse

Necrowretch - Putrid Death Sorcery (Century Media, 2013)

Track Listing:

1. Ripping Souls Of Sinners (2.37)
2. Purifying Torment (3.21)
3. Goat-Headed (3.04)
4. Putrid Death Sorcery (3.52)
5. Impious Plague In Catacombs (3.35)
6. Spewed From Hell (3.29)
7. Defiler Of Sacrality (3.16)
8. The Anthropomancer (4.26)
9. Soiled Into A Crypt (2.26)
10. Recollections (3.03)
11. Repugnizer (2.35)

Synopsis: At first glance this might appear to be another in the plethora of "old school" death metal bands however, upon listening to "Putrid Death Sorcery", it becomes apparent that there is something different about this young French trio. Sure, there are ample references to the classic Swedish sound but for every Entombed or Dismember moment there are equal parts Merciless or Grotesque and it does give them a different sound to a certain degree. Besides, it is a short release that doesn't outstay it's welcome and there is certainly the potential for even better things lurking in this particular crypt.

www.necrowretch.net

Xanthochroid - Blessed He With Boils (Earth & Axen, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. Aquatic Deathgate Existence (3.00)
2. Blessed He With Boils (7.29)
3. Winter's End (5.01)
4. Long Live Our Lifeless King (8.55)
5. Deus Absconditus I (3.58)
6. Deus Absconditus II (5.36)
7. The Leper's Prospect (5.51)
8. In Putris Stagnum (6.26)
9. Here I'll Stay (2.39)
10. Rebirth Of An Old Nation (9.00)

Synopsis: "Blessed He With Boils" is a fine example of a young band with obvious talent and ambition that, considering it is their first full-length and independently released, can't help but impress. The music is highly complex, bringing to mind Emperor or Borknagar at times, yet despite the melodic, blackend intensity that serves as the basis of most of their compositions the use of orchestration and acoustic moments are exceptionally well done. If there is one criticism, and it is minor, it is the production which is decent but a bit underwhelming considering the strength of the music. Of course, this in no way diminishes what Xanthochroid have achieved here and if they can make the slight improvement in that area they could be unstoppable. 

www.facebook.com/xanthochroidmetal

Moonloop - Deeply From The Earth (Listenable, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. Awaking Spirals Of Time (2.11)
2. Beginning Of The End (5.15)
3. A Life Divided (4.34)
4. Fading Faces (5.02)
5. Strombus (6.15)
6. Deceiving Time (7.22)
7. Legacy Of Fear (4.18)
8. Wailing Road (6.18)
9. Landscape (6.25)
10. Atlantis Rising (11.00)

Synopsis: For some reason it took me a while to purchase a copy of "Deeply From The Earth", the second full length from Spain's Moonloop and it has turned out to be quite an interesting release. Their take on progressive death metal does bring to mind Opeth, without the classic prog influences, but also more aggressive bands such as Death through numerous twists and turns that find the music coming from many different directions. It isn't perfect, some of the transitions between sections can be abrupt and could be refined further, but there is no denying that there is a maturity and ambition at work here that challenges without being too obtuse and ultimately leaves you satisfied.

Agalloch - Faustian Echoes (Dammerung Arts, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. Faustian Echoes (21.34)

Synopsis: Agalloch are widely revered, and rightly so, as they have always been a law unto themselves yet there is also an integrity and depth to their music that never wavers regardless of the path they take. "Faustian Echoes" is the longest song that they have recorded however this has proven no challenge as they take the classic Goethe tale and weave a metallic tapestry around it that retains your attention the whole time. The balance between the epic black metal and more introspective moments is finely balanced and the samples of dialogue add to the effect. Who knows what Agalloch will come up with next but whatever it might be it is sure to continue expanding their already impressive sound.

www.agalloch.org