POLAR DUST – FRAGMENTED VEIL

It’s difficult to ascribe a specific genre to Polar Dust’s sound – a stirring cauldron of dark, gothic feels with some alternative and electronic rock mixed in there? It sure makes a unique and distinct recipe. Originally formed in Reykjavik, Iceland by Sara “X” Eksteen; their music most certainly does embody aspects reminiscent of those … Read more

EPICA – CROSS THE DIVIDE

Symphonic Metal heavyweights Epica have announced the release of their ninth album ‘Aspiral’. Due to be released on April the 11th by the heavy hitting Nuclear Blast Records, ‘Aspiral’ promises to be a powerful album of theatrical proportions. As a taster for the bombast that is due to prevail we have been treated to opening … Read more

LOWER HOLLOW – THRENODY: SONGS OF FORTITUDE

Lower Hollow, the local metalcore outfit from Johannesburg has been establishing their presence in the scene, but it certainly has been a bumpy ride to get to where they are now. Shortly after the release of their first album, Bloom & Expire in 2023, three of the founding members parted ways with the band. This … Read more

NOITASAPATTI – SANKARIN MATKA

Finnish black metal band, Noitasapatti is about to release their second studio album, Sankarin Matka; out on the 29th of November through Inverse Records. The band has been meticulously crafting the album in their home studio for the past two years and despite many setbacks, it’s finally complete. Now, this is the first time I’ve … Read more

MITHRAS CROWED – HYMNS OF THE HIEROPHANT

Hailing from Johannesburg, South Africa – Mithras Crowned is a black metal band, consisting of sonic sorcerers who all have over a decade’s worth of experience as artists. Now that they’ve released their first EP, Hymns of the Hierophant earlier this year, they are eager to take Europe by storm. Thematically, the band emphasizes topics, … Read more

VOLA – FRIEND OF A PHANTOM

The powerhouse quartet from Copenhagen, VOLA just released Friend of a Phantom, their fourth studio album, on November 1st through Mascot Records. They create an eclectic blend of sounds and atmospheres, making it quite difficult to pin them down to a specific genre; groove-laden progressive alt-rock/metal, with industrial and electronic elements? That’s how I would … Read more

PESTILENT HEX – SORCERIES OF SANGUINE & SHADOW

In twenty days Finnish Symphonic Black Metal duo Pestilent Hex are due to lay siege to every prone mortal form with their latest full length album ‘Sorceries Of Sanguine & Shadow’. Released by Debemur Morti Productions, this atmospheric and highly accessable seven track opus begins with the tinkling keys of haunting intro track ‘Nocturne’ which … Read more

ERSHETU – YOMI

Ershetu create Black Metal of the most cinematic and evocative sort and their latest album ‘Yomi’, a concept album that explores the Japanese death-lore Shinto, is very much entrenched in the rousing aesthetic initially explored on their 2023 debut album ‘Xibalba’. Featuring Vindsval of Blut Aus Nord fame on vocals, bass and additional guitars, Sacr … Read more

ENVY – EUNOIA

The latest full length by Japanese Post Hardcore stalwarts Envy entitled ‘Eunoia’ is as volcanic as it is ethereal and evocative. Beginning with the saccharine slice of syrupy ambience that is ‘Piecemeal’ and sliding into the exhilarating and emotive ‘Imagination and Creation’, ‘Eunoia’ sets a sonic precedent which is drenched in shimmering guitars and lilting … Read more

P.O.D – VERITAS

During the heyday of Nu Metal and Rapcore P. O. D were one of the commercial heavyweights, gaining tons of radio play as singles such as ‘Youth Of The Nation’ and ‘Alive’ set the airwaves ablaze with their rousing, yet decidedly vapid verses and choruses. When it comes to the type of glossy Rapcore that … Read more