Thrash Metal

Hemotoxin – When Time Becomes Loss Review

Hemotoxin – When Time Becomes Loss Review

By El Cuervo on May 17, 2024 in Reviews, Death Metal, Progressive Metal, Thrash Metal, 35 comments

“Over the course of two prior releases I’ve reviewed, Pittsburgh’s Hemotoxin has failed to truly wow me. Their idiosyncratic brand of deathy, thrashy metal stretches slightly towards progressive ground, but they also demonstrate an admirable willingness to eschew any bloat across their tight releases. Despite these strengths, frantic songwriting and an arguable lack of focus have hamstrung their memorability and consigned them to “probably cool live but no point to return” territory. 2024 sees their return and I was cautiously optimistic to hear whether When Time Becomes Loss would be the record to elevate their discography.” Blood and soilwork.

Mother of All – Global Parasitic Leviathan Review

Mother of All – Global Parasitic Leviathan Review

By Dolphin Whisperer on April 23, 2024 in Reviews, Death Metal, Melodic Death Metal, Thrash Metal, 18 comments

“Have you ever wondered what modern melodic death metal might sound like if these up-and-coming bands would take a moment to find a sound that isn’t pure pastiche? Now, I know that might seem critical—and it is. But with so many bands out there that are variations on At the Gates, In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, and whatever other big name you can think of, pure worship of these bands, who wield extended discographies and active tour schedules, just isn’t enough. That kind of retread with a tinge of mix-up can be good, of course. Just look at our latest rodeö for the proudly olde-reaching Veriteras. So do we need a Global Parasitic Leviathan to save us?” I Dismember Momma.

Stress Angel – Punished by Nemesis Review

Stress Angel – Punished by Nemesis Review

By Steel Druhm on March 25, 2024 in Reviews, Death Metal, Thrash Metal, 30 comments

“2021 saw Stress Angel belch forth out of Brooklyn with a hideous sound marrying Autopsy-core with punky d-beatery and crust-encrusted doom. Bursting Church was a slippery, slimy, nasty piece of work and the duo behind it was effective at throttling throats and sacrificing goats. 2024 comes around and the gruesome twosome returns with sophomore outing Punished by Nemesis, and with it a more expansive palette and grander vision.” Punishment is overdue.

Drain Down – Toxic Society Review

Drain Down – Toxic Society Review

By Cherd on March 11, 2024 in Reviews, Hardcore, Thrash Metal, 7 comments

“Toxic Society, the sophomore full-length from German hardcore/thrash band Drain Down, turns out to be everything I stupidly asked for. Am I angry and aimless enough to pick up what these Teutonic terrors are throwing down? Are you? Join me in the pit for some enthusiastic arm-flailing and high-minded discussion.” Mistakes were made.

Yer Metal Is Olde: Illwill – Evilution

Yer Metal Is Olde: Illwill – Evilution

By Dr. A.N. Grier on March 10, 2024 in Yer Metal Is Olde, Thrash Metal, 18 comments

“Evilution is the sole LP from quasi-supergroup Illwill. This odd band consisted of King Diamond and Mercyful Fate greats Andy LaRocque, Sharlee D’Angelo, and Snowy Shaw. While it’s common for these lads to form, join, or guest in many projects over the years, this might be one of the strangest collaborations in their storied careers.” Licensed to ill.

Exhorder – Defectum Omnium Review

Exhorder – Defectum Omnium Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on March 4, 2024 in Reviews, Thrash Metal, 22 comments

“With this year’s Defectum Omnium, it’s clear Exhorder aren’t finished proving their relevance and reinventing themselves in the eyes of their dedicated fanbase. But, with such a strong outing five years ago, will Defectum Omnium be a step forward for the band or will it be, well… a defectum?” Omnium Blatherum.

I Am the Intimidator – I Am the Intimidator Review

I Am the Intimidator – I Am the Intimidator Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on March 1, 2024 in Reviews, Heavy Metal, Thrash Metal, 112 comments

“Many music genres (metal, in particular) do love a good concept album. Be it a horror story, Star Trek and Lords of the Rings smut, or the tribulations of Spawn, metal bands (and their fans) can’t seem to get enough. You think you’ve heard and seen it all until you delve into the one-off absurdity of I Am the Intimidator. Never in my life did I expect to be reviewing a self-titled release whose concept has coined the term ‘NASCAR Metal’ in the festering halls of AMG.” Speed kills.