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