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