Cruciamentum - Engulfed In Desolation (2011) [EP]

Country: UK

Genre: Old School Death Metal

Label: Nuclear Winter Records

Website: Facebook

A band ive been watching since the first demo, even if they have recently formed they sound completely like a band from the early 90s.

All of their songs are a must and this EP is an awesome release when it comes to rotten, anti-mainstream and anti-scene kid death metal, as it should be, the guys have made a name for themselves in the underground.

Im glad they are signed to the supreme greek death metal label Nuclear Winter because those who run it are serious, and the bands they have are serious as well.

In case you think the extreme metal you like died somewhere during the change of the millenium, grab this and listen to it with a beer. Its gonna draw the "Oh yeah" look in your face.

Darkthrone - Dark Thrones And Black Flags (2008)

Country: Norway

Genre: Black Metal / Punk / Heavy Metal

Label: Peaceville Records

Website: Facebook / Myspace

You cannot have hard feelings for this guy. Throughout the years Darkthrone have been one of the most controversial black metal bands, they were around in the heart of the norwegian everything back then and the scene owes them a lot. They changed later, and this is a more punkish version of them, i still recognize the old school touch and i love this kind of raw songs that they create.

There is nothing that black metal in this release though, i just wanted to keep the flag high, hahaha... The whole thing is just awesome. Just see for yourselves. Im glad there are a couple of bands from the glorious 90s Norway that haven't put their asses to the shithouse after all these years.

And Hell Followed With - Proprioception (2010)

Country: USA
Genre: Deathcore
Label: Earache Records
Quality: CD-Rip 320kbps
Website: Facebook / Myspace

I like "Proprioception" much more than their first release, i think its an album that could describe the quality side of deathcore, musically, aesthetically and lyrically. The band has touched perfection with their combination of guitar work, drums and vocals, there are several death-metalish riffs in here and the breakdowns are well put in between songs, they do not overuse them like the shitty bands do.

To me, its one of the best albums of the genre to date, since the band has not fucked up with popularity or attitude, after all, these are all hardcore type jamming songs with a death metal outlet.

Alestorm - Leviathan (2008) [EP]

Country: Scotland
Genre: True Scottish Pirate Metal
Label: Napalm Records
Quality: CD-Rip 320kbps
Website: Facebook / Myspace

Its not power metal with pirate lyric themes. Its not folk or heavy metal with a pirate concept either. Its pirate metal. I think Alestorm have managed to set the basis for what actually sounds like pirate metal, since they don't simply sing about them, they are them. Napalm hit gold with this and they've taken the whole pirate subject to a new level, standing right near to Running Wild (time will prove me on that). This is the only release i found at a store nearby, it contains four tracks that were later included in their full lengths, still its a great EP and it has some kick ass artwork too. Remember to love pirates.

Wolfcry - Nightbreed (2003)

Wolfcry "Nightbreed"

2003, Black Lotus Records

Facebook / Myspace

Another not so well known power metal band from Greece, maybe im mistaken but if you're not Spitfire you do not have a big fanbase here when it comes to heavy/power/traditional in general. Those guys are not that bad either, pretty warm album, there are not many epic melodies or synths, i liked the female backing vocals in some tracks and the piano parts are awesome.

Weird that i found this in a bag full of random albums in a trash can, it was in a pretty good condition so i took the whole bag, there were several 80s heavy metal gems in there, this was the newest release.

Might be getting some up here. I only dislike the band name of the band by the way, metal artists have been raping the word, i suggest they stop using it unless they think of something smart. Like Wolves In The Throne Room.

In Battle - Kingdom Of Fear (2007)

Country: Sweden
Genre: Viking Death Metal
Label: Nocturnal Art Productions
Quality: CD-Rip 320kbps
Website: Myspace

The term "viking death metal" is not that stable, since it is dumb to name a genre after the lyrical theme and not the music itself, there are lots of bands under this particular (Amon Amarth, Unleashed come to mind) so here it is.

I read really bad reviews on Metal Archives and i was surprised because this album is not that bad. I dont think the fact that they talk about Norse Mythology is bad, the music sector is just fine too. I have a couple of songs that i really jam to also, so i like it in general.

Abazagorath & Blood Storm - Ancient Entities Arise (2008) [Split]

Country: USA
Genre: Black Metal
Label: Elegy Records
Website: Myspace / Myspace

I grabbed this EP mainly for Abazagorath, in the long run i figured out im glad i checked Blood Storm too. Their debut "The Atlantean Dragon" is really a piece of art, the fact that its pretty unknown makes even more amazing, you should listen for yourselves.

As for this EP, it is american black metal, with its good moments and downsides, in case you already have an opinion on the subject, ignore this. Both sides are equally listenable, there is nothing horrible in here, they are not taking things to the edge, instead they stick to the typical lines for black metal and succeed.

Godless Truth - Too Late To Stop My Hate (2010) [Promo]

Country: Czech Republic
Genre: Death Metal
Label: Independent
Website: Facebook / Myspace

I thought this was a new band when i got the promo, it seems like they've been active since the early 90s with lots of changes and stuff. It is the solid side of death metal recorded after 2000, they have brought memories of Death with their albums in the past, this is no different, i liked them a lot. This promo is not the old school sound you might want, it is pretty good though.

Witchery - Don't Fear The Reaper (2006)

Witchery "Don't Fear The Reaper"

2006, Century Media Records

Facebook / Myspace

Lots said that Witchery had downgraded with this release. Lots said that they lost direction. Well, i believe they just moved on, progressed and improved their sound, something that was ensured with their 2010 release.

I think "Don't Fear The Reaper" is an awesome album full of enjoyable moments, it has a modern sound and an old school pitch in it at the same time, they nail it as they always do as they are a band that i've trusted since the beginning. Especially now, that they have the titan Caligula of Dark Funeral in the front lines, i can't wait to hear new stuff.

Elvenking - Two Tragedy Poets... And A Caravan Of Weird Figures (2008)

Country: Italy
Genre: Power / Folk Metal
Label: AFM Records
Website: Facebook / Myspace

I got into this band with this album, because i realized that i don't like their new releases at all, and their older ones are listenable, but thats all. They turned into something softer and more emo that what they used to play like 10 years ago, it was once about folklore and now is about romantic dead love to-throw-up lyrics.

Anyway, the songs here remind me of Lord of the Rings and im a die hard fan, i think if i ever had a party with hobbits in the Shire, them dancing with booze on the tables of a random inn, this would be the background music. Even the artwork (front/back/CD covers are included) reminds of something poetic and medieval.

I would listen to Heathenreel, this and Wyrd if i were you, i cannot really judge the band as a whole, but thats the albums i can help to listen.

Hammerfall - Threshold (2006)

Country: Sweden
Genre: Power Metal
Label: Nuclear Blast
Quality: CD-Rip 320kbps
Website: Facebook / Myspace

I really can't find a reason why i like this specific album, since i don't like anything Hammerfall have ever made. Its an album with several good tracks and i enjoy clicking repeat on some, i don't do that often... Its solid epic metal, with the correct amount of melodies and solos.

The digipack case of the album contained a Hammerfall player for the computer, and a video clip for "Natural High", which is the top song of the album, plus the title "Dark Wings, Dark Words" is a saying from George Martin. Yeah, now that everyone is familiar with Game Of Thrones, i knew it before it was cool *hipster face*.

Lonewolf - Made In Hell (2008)

Country: France
Genre: Heavy Metal
Label: Eat Metal Records
Website: Facebook / Myspace

I suspect the die hards of the genre will be pleased with this post. Lonewolf describe the way above average heavy metal band: Been around for 20 years or so, few and excellent releases (5 full length albums) and the accomplishment of staying underground and not humiliating themselves acting like hairy rockstars.

This release is my favourite by them and im glad i have it, its a very powerful album with cool songs and lyrics. Another aspect i like about them is that they don't have those high vocals frontmen usually do, its more of growing, similar to Grave Digger, i prefer that so yeah.

Caliban - The Awakening (2007)

Country: Germany
Genre: Metalcore
Label: Roadrunner Records
Website: Facebook / Myspace

Even if i got into this band with "Say Hallo To Tragedy", i wanted to have an original of them and i found this one around. Caliban are in the family of the first thrash metal/core bands that lately evolved into the whole metalcore genre that every "good" metalhead hates today. Along with Darkest Hour, Shadows Fall, Lamb of God, Killswitch Engage and similar bands, they formed the modern sound of extreme music that keeps growing.

Don't get me wrong, i dont like their fans or their looks, i admire some bands and thats all. Here we have a solid Caliban release but not the best, it has its melodies, its clean vocals, its heavy parts, everything. You might dig into their latest two albums and their covers EP, if you like this one. I haven't listened to their early stuff that much.

Eternal Helcaraxe - To Whatever End (2010) [EP]

Country: Ireland
Genre: Pagan Black Metal
Label: Self-released
Website: Facebook / Myspace

Ireland has never failed when it comes to metal bands, ive found plenty of irish artists that worth more than just a listen and Eternal Helcaraxe is one of them.

This is atmospheric black metal with an elegant approach to the pagan theme, it has some epic elements and they're not ripping of other black metal bands just to sound like them.

I contacted the band back when this was out and they sent it over for free, i was grateful, then i heard that they signed to Abyss Records for their full length, and it felt like justice was done. Great black metal here.

Order Of Ennead - An Examination Of Being (2010)

Country: USA
Genre: Black / Death Metal
Label: Earache Records
Website: Facebook / Myspace

I had completely forgotten about these guys and only today i stumbled upon this album. I remember i originally got into them because Steve Asheim of Deicide plays drums here, the fact is that i trust Earache (one of my favourite labels around) and i was not wrong this time either.

Great album, probably on the good side of the modern death metal wagon, filled with well composed tracks. It could be described as melodic death metal with good shrieked black metal vocals, maybe, i have not heard their first album to compare it with this, but i pretty much enjoyed every bit.

Interesting lyrics and artwork caught my attention again, even the solos worked for me this time, i usually dislike their use in extreme genres (black & death mostly).

 I got a CD and shirt package of the release, glad to have those. Earache always has sweet offers, you should see for yourself.

Behemoth - Evangelion (2009)

Country: Poland
Genre: Black / Death Metal
Label: Nuclear Blast
Quality: CD-Rip 320kbps
Website: Facebook / Myspace

Behemoth have worked very much through the years, they have created their own unique sound, they are one of the biggest names in the industry, i think they deserve it. "Evangelion" is a brilliant album that lacks nothing, it follows all my preferences in extreme music, in terms of lyrical content, artwork, music etc...

Nergal's anti-religious attitude has caused a lot of talking around them, his views haven't changed despite the attacks of random churches and their followers, its nice to see bands that annoy them so much to get that popular.

Acolyte - Oceans Of Blood (2007)

Country: Greece
Genre: Power Metal
Label: Freedom Records And Multimedia
Quality: CD-Rip 320kbps
Website: Myspace

So, this is a greek power metal band with lots of symphonic and progressive elements, led by the -quite talented- musician Lazarus Varla. I got this by accident since i liked the front cover art, and it was included in a special package, i don't regret it but im not listening to it that much either, this kind of fancy metal is not my thing. I leave it here to be devoured by power metal fans since it has many catchy riffs, solos, keys everywhere, high vocals, melodies and everything they would like, i guess. I think they have been having band member problems, they have only released this one even though they jam since 2002, im not sure. A back cover and CD scan are included.

Download (Sendspace)

Finntroll - Jaktens Tid (2004)

Country: Finland
Genre: Viking / Folk Metal
Label: Spikefarm Records
Website: Facebook / Myspace

Here goes the tracklist

 I often think, what music would i choose for a party that i would throw one time. I guess, it would be full of fast and uplifting folk and viking metal music. I find these tunes just that awesome, i don't get a word of the finnish lyrics, i do not know much about nordic mythology subjects, still these guys make me participate in the craziest viking parties. If they did that at all, in between raping and savaging around. Which is completely fine with me by the way, no offends intended, anyway, when i read about trolls i was fascinated and started looking for related bands, this one came up, im glad i found them. This record contains the song "Födosagan", its one of my favourites by them.

P.S.: You gotta look for the movie "Trollhunter" and see it. A must for every metal fan. Pure awesomeness.

Suicide Silence - The Black Crown (2011)

Country: USA
Genre: Deathcore / Nu Metal
Label: Century Media Records
Website: Facebook / Myspace

The last album that was released in July last year, it actually is the most distinctive sound that Suicide Silence could ever do. They have added some nu metal elements, guest vocals by Jonathan Davis of Korn in a song, some well put whispering-clean vocals, it depicts the fact that the biggest infuences of the band are their favourite artists (Deftones, Slipknot, Korn).

The album is unique, its a bit softer than their first releases, flows nicely and they have not overdone it on any aspect. Lots of reasons to loathe the band again, you can browse all kinds of negative comments around the internet, but anyway, i always thought that the fans ruin the genre, and not the artists.

Suicide Silence - No Time To Bleed (2009)

Country: USA
Genre: Deathcore
Label: Century Media Records
Quality: CD-Rip 320kbps
Website: Facebook / Myspace

They changed from the first record to the second, this is a more complete work, shows how the bandmembers have finally found a way to compose all together. It approaches death metal but keeps some deathcore elements, the sound is approaching the unique SS sound even more this time, it has memorable songs and it is recognizable.

The album has the sound quality of modern deathcore but several parts contain a death metal intensity, these fast riffs with the ripping vocals are what made that band special. I know quite a lot of people hate them, but i don't really care, this band was a talented one of our decade, whereas the listeners liked it. Its my favourite release by them by the way, i like the concept and the general vibe it has.

Suicide Silence - The Cleansing (2007)

Country: USA
Genre: Deathcore
Label: Century Media Records
Quality: CD-Rip 320kbps
Website: Facebook / Myspace

As you have probably noticed, the mainman of Suicide Silence passed away a couple of days ago, suffering fatal wounds from a car accident. Its really sad to see such talented musicians to die so young, even if you hate their music it has nothing to do with the person, its all a matter of respect.

I liked Suicide Silence a lot, i don't really care about the rest of their fanbase or how mainstream they are. I think its good heavy music. The first release by them is the most deathcore-ish album, has some classic songs in it.

Megadeth - Countdown To Exctinction (1992) [Remastered 2004]

Country: USA

Genre: Thrash Metal

Label: Capitol Records

Website: Facebook / Myspace

I don't know if this is their best album, it has all my favourite songs by them in it though. "Rust In Peace" might be the most complete album they have ever released, the one here though will be my top first forever, each and every song on this is a masterpiece. Yet another part part of the remastered series in 2004, this time it contains demo recordings of some songs and not remixes. "Sweating Bullets", "Skin o' My Teeth", "Symphony Of Destruction", "Ashes In Your Mouth", "Architecture Of Agression" are some big names to mention, all gathered in one release, it could easily be a compilation, since all of the songs in here have been used for best offs.

Megadeth - So Far, So Good... So What! (1988) [Remastered 2004]

Country: USA
Genre: Thrash Metal
Label: Capitol Records
Website: Facebook / Myspace

I have several Megadeth albums and i decided, i will post them all together. They still had some old school thrash elements, they were not completely transformed into the sound they have today, scars of the "Killing Is My Business..." and "Peace Sells" are not absent.

Their debut full length is one of my favourites by them, so anything like it makes my day. As a whole, its a good album, the remastered version again contains song remixes.

Megadeth - Peace Sells... But Who's Buying? (1986) [Remastered 2004]

Country: USA

Genre: Thrash Metal

Label: Capitol Records

Website: Facebook / Myspace

Mustaine has been the center of attention lately due to what he says or does, as it always happens, everyone hates him for a while. He has changed from angry teenager to Metallica friend, from atheist to christian then atheist and then christian again, he has insulted people, despised people, done whatever the fuck he feels like in a nutshell.

I have to say Megadeth are a band that definitely got me into metal, i listen to all their albums (almost...) and i dont think there is anyone out there that could say they can't compose good songs. After what Anthrax, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Slayer have done, a mediocre Megadeth song surpasses all. "Peace Sells..." is a classic album, since the self-titled song is huge, the remastered version contains some more song remixes and expanded artwork.