Kittie – Spit XXV

Word has it that from the sweltering pits of underground music, heavy metal maidens Kittie have heaved out a relic that remembers and resonates riffs of historic savagery. Spit XXV, a four-track EP forged to honour the 25 year anniversary of their gold-plated debut crusher, Spit. This beast rages with re-forged anthems—”Brackish,” “Charlotte,” “Do You … Read more

Relicon – Ephemeral Triumph

Born in 1998 as Antti-Pekka Meronen’s solo ritual, Relicon started as a one-man vision; crafting all hymns and instruments in isolation. After years of skilful honing and devotion, he unleashed two demos in 2002 and 2003, respectively. By 2005 the project had morphed into a five-piece, dropping a third demo and rampaging through live performances. … Read more

Born of Osiris – Through Shadows

Progressive metalcore pioneers Born of Osiris released their seventh studio album, Through Shadows via Sumerian Records, marking a significant milestone in their over two-decade-long career. Accompanying the album’s release, the band premiered an official music video for The War That You Are, offering fans a dynamic visual introduction to their latest work. This release follows … Read more

VastVale – So Dimly I Dread

Are you a fan of the forlorn? A maniac for melancholy? Perhaps you have a mere soft spot for sadness? If so, I have a little treat you may look forward to.. There have been accounts of a strange collective of individuals dwelling around Cape Town. They have been reported making sounds of sanity breaking … Read more

Thornhill – BODIES

Yeah nah yeah, I must be living under a rock, because before BODIES, I had not heard of Thornhill in any way, shape, or form; and gosh.. What a band! Being their third studio album (and most ambitious release to date), BODIES is an intricately prepared and crafted feast for the sonic palette. Not wasting … Read more

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

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