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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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