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

DIVERTED DISORDER – PORTRAITS

Known for their blend of sinewy metallic Hard Rock and Alternative, the latest single by Diverted Disorder entitled ‘Portraits’ is not so much a departure from their rollicking back catalogue as it is a lilting piece of melancholic and soulful music that has a sense of sonic cohesion lacking in some of their previous songs.  … Read more

DOOMTRIGGER – ANGER (RIVER OF HATE)

Hailing from the scintillating sprawl of Stellenbosch, South Africa, Doomtrigger are a four piece collective that construct Metalcore of the most corrosive, crushing and dark sort.  Their previous EP, ‘Circles Part One’ was a devastating exercise in dynamic Metalcore influenced by Dante’s Inferno. Folks if you have yet to wrap your ears around said slab … Read more

THE DEFECT – INTO THE VOID 

Formed by the mastermind behind The Browning Jonny Mcbee, The Defect are a new sonic entity that specialises in thrilling Electronic Rock that will undoubtedly appeal to fans of Spineshank, Celldweller and Static-X. Theirs, being THE DEFECT, is a far more melodious and euphonic iteration of the deadlier and more dastardly Industrial/Electronic Rock of many … 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

FADING GRAY – MOVING PARTS (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

Fading Gray have just dropped their debut music video for their track, Moving Parts. The song has a strong message of positivity and inspires to uplift the listener, reminding us that we are in control of the choices we make and should take responsibility for our actions; moving ever closer to what it is we … 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