Daemonian - The Frost Specter's Wrath (2023) Review

Hailing from Japan, Daemonian follow a similar tactic like modern Japanese breweries do with their local beer: borrowing a recipe from the US or Europe, and following it to the last milligram. This overly analytical analogy, when thought of in a musical framework, can reveal how the project is strongly reminiscent to melodic black metal from Scandinavia, and specifically Sweden. Some melo-death elements also exist, but you already get the gist. 

For this endeavour, a designer has been hired to also create artwork similar to that scene of the 90’s like the legendary works of Necrolord, and what solely stands as a unique addition is the sketch of this specific logo. Going into The Frost Specter’s Wrath, one will realise quickly that Daemonian are fans of the Swedish sound and the frosty song titles / lyrics of Immortal, as this record is constructed basically on these two elements and what you have already heard, but in a quite decent fashion. 

I kept thinking of bands like Setherial, The Legion and especially Naglfar throughout the whole of this release, as melodic riffs came swinging constantly with non-stop fast paced melodies, screams and beautiful solos that you might also hear in heavy / power metal. The aftertaste of The Frost Specter’s Wrath is also the same, making you wonder if you actually listened to a hidden Naglfar record all this time. I particularly liked the frenzy fast and short track “Blizzard Blast” that would make all the aforementioned bands proud and the closing, self-titled piece. 

As a whole, the album is executed perfectly and that’s what slightly saves its case. All of it is really enjoyable and the tracks pass by easily, I would still hope that Daemonian sort of discover their own sound, but as a shameless tribute to the Scandinavian melodic black / death metal scene, the fans will love it and the rest won’t be surprised. It only has a slightly less aggressive sound than its geographically distant relatives, and maybe a sense of viking metal in “King of the Daemons”. Apart from that, you simply know what you get.

DAMAGE: 3/5

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Release date: 31 Jan 2023 (Zero Dimensional Records)

Gates of Ishtar - A Bloodred Path (1997) Review

At the time of the late 90’s, Swedish melodic death metal had laid strong foundations around the Gothenburg scene and was still blooming at the turn of the millennium approached. Gates of Ishtar served their debut A Bloodred Path following just a couple of demos prior to it, unfolding an entertaining collection of material that stands as a prime example of its genre and time.

Moving mostly at fast paced tempos, there’s endless melodic guitar riffing in the tracks with frequent soloing, high pitched shrieked vocals and rather personal lyrics of struggle and desperation, despite the music’s general upbeat character, at least to the extent that melodic death metal goes on that. “Tears” is a wonderful piece for all lovers of this style and a highlight of the record, but there’s numerous moments in A Bloodred Path to enjoy how the instruments are treated and the creativity of the band. The drumming is equally energetic and there’s no clear dreadful point in the album and its demeanour.

Now, how many other bands of that time could have been described with exactly the same sentences? Gates of Ishtar definitely had their moments in this record, which still dares to step into faster / more aggressive territories, for example in the self-titled track, “The Silence” or the almost black metal-ish introduction of “Where The Winds Of Darkness Blow”, which is another highlight. With larger entities in the scene at the time, like In Flames, or At the Gates who were much closer to Gates of Ishtar’s music, it seems recognition was somehow not spared for all the quality records of the time. I don't understand this W.A.S.P. cover at the end of the record, but that doesn't affect the great work that was actually put together by the band.

With nine tracks and 33 minutes, A Bloodred Path depicted a band with a considerable amount of fury and truly wonderful parts that will wake your inner guitarist. Gates of Ishtar had in content what they lacked in popularity around that time, and this debut speaks very well for itself.

DAMAGE: 3.5/5

Decapitated - Cancer Culture (2022) Review

It’s now been 20 years since Nihility, Decapitated’s second and highly influential album in the modern / technical death metal scene. They have gone a long way since then and even after all this time, I can not account the band for any serious misstep in their discography, as they have more or less maintained their posture these two decades. Latest offering Cancer Culture is an alteration of the common term “cancel culture” that has been in the spotlight the last few years, and Decapitated take a stand regarding it with an opinion that is easy to guess from the album’s title already. Compositional prowess has always been there, the band is more than capable in creating continuous streams of intense and heavy guitar riffing, yet Cancer Culture has, in my opinion, the most dreadful and lousiest lyrics they have ever written. Since such a hot topic was picked, it would have been more convincing if it was articulated more consistently and not as if Decapitated are teenagers themselves (just five years ago in Anticult, the band nailed it on the lyrical content). Some tracks are  great musically, like the self-titled, “Locked” (a highlight!) or “Suicide Space Program” and “Last Supper”. And then, on the two tracks where guest musicians are featured, there isn’t a riff that was written that was not generic, especially in “Iconoclast” (with Robb Flynn of Machine Head). “Hello Death”, with Jinjer’s Tatiana, is by far the weakest piece in Cancer Culture for the same reasons, as it barely even has an actual riff. Decapitated is a band I have been following for years now, and for the first time I’d rather not understand what they’re singing about, because while the concept itself could prove interesting, the delivery here is embarrassing. At the same time, it’s not short of musical excellence in some parts of the record, and almost toothless at others (further example, “Hours as Battlegrounds” shouldn’t even be there). Cancer Culture has a great cover, but I wish a lot of its insides would be different. [2.5/5 - Average]

Satariel - White Ink: Chapter One [EP]

Album: White Ink: Chapter One
Year: 2014
Genre: Melodic Death Metal
Origin: Sweden

Despite being one really important band for the genre and it's time, Satariel never amazed me until this release, which is really awesome. Three cohesive, well-written and heavy compositions mark their return and I definitely look forward to a new album or something. More spicy information, the last track "Ending Circle" reminds a bit of Ghost Brigade's "Clawmaster". Both are awesome tracks.

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Quo Vadis - Forever... (1996) Review

Country | Canada
Genre | Melodic Death Metal

| Find your own reality | 
 

I have connected melodic death metal with state of the art bands of today even though it has somehow been around from the mid nineties, mainly in Sweden but in other places as well. Even though it was not complete formed, it was already seperated from pure death metal because of the significantly less agressiveness and more melody, Quo Vadis being such a band. Listening to them, you probably won't say you were blown away by their raw brutality and I hardly think it will move you at all.

It's not that something is missing. On the contrary, the album has all the elements of melodeath, from acoustic / violin parts, to shreddy riffs and changes between high and low growls, at the appropriate level of complexity and variety and the musicianship is remarkable. The talent of these guys was not missing back then and the musicianship on the record is remarkable, but it is overshadowed by milestones of it's time like Slaughter of the Soul or Heartwork. That shit was memorable, while Forever isn't. What is more, the production really keeps everything back here. It's not clean enough and a bit fuzzy in the main parts of the album and while it might be considered solid for then, it would be much better if a better arrangement was done.

The pace is constantly changing and the tracks don't lack musicality, each musician in the band is a beast. There is an excellent guitar work with lot's of fast riffs, the bass is clear and ultra heavy, the drums are magnificent and the vocals include more than one style in their calibre. The album seems to be constantly expanding with new elements and sounds, even though they are missing a purpose. I didn't discover an overwhelming moment in the album, even though it doesn't fail in terms of technicality. The potential of the band can be heard on each note, but in a young and immature stage. Several experiments went on, like the female vocals on "Nocturnal Reflections" that didn't work out at all, while the use of the violin was average.

This is a legit album as a whole. While all the components are here and with plenty of possibilities to rise succesful, Quo Vadis throw a stone in the water and nothing happens. There are some narrating moments of atmosphere with clean vocals and all that mellow song writing that reminded me of gothic metal and I really didn't like it. I would say this is a viable album for melodeath fans, since the band is somehow popular and this was their first attempt. But for me, I don't think I'm coming back to this release anytime soon.

DAMAGE: 3.5/10

Dethklok - The Dethalbum (2007) Review

Dethklok "The Dethalbum"

Autumn 2007, Williams Street

Listening Needs

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Dethklok is a fictional band that was created for the series "Metalocalypse", starting back in 2006. This show is animated and its about a killer death metal band that rules the world. Their fans die in shows, they destroy nations with their gigs, they live in a moving fortress called Mordhaus with a bunch of executioner servants, they are being watched by an Illuminati group because their actions affect global economy, and a lot of other crazy stuff for you to watch. If you wonder who is behing all this, more information can be found here.

Now, that band also plays music in the episodes, which are later released as albums by the band. There are four seasons and three albums so far. The series is mainly comical, even though it has plenty of bloodshed, dead people, torturing and other delightful activities. Which are still funny, so yeah, the series is comical. If metalheads ought to have their own series, this is it. Quoting the band's frontman Nathan Explosion, who suspiciously looks like Peter Steele or Corpsegrinder:

"We're here to make coffee metal. To make everything metal. Blacker than the blackest black, times infinity."

This is the first album by the band. It can be described as death metal with some melodeath elements. I think the album is nothing special if you listen to it without being familiar with the show or the story behind the songs, and that is the reason i enjoy it very much. I love the first season and every song reminds me of the bloodied and hilarious times Dethklok have in there, its entertaing and made me dig the songs very much. I strongly suggest you see the season and then listen to the album. A birthday song, a song that brings up an ancient troll, a song made for underworld sea creatures, a song about how much they hate their fans, an orchestral song, a song about coffee, songs about vikings and goes on. The reason im enjoying this stuff so much is because the show is exrtaordinary.

It is a joke band. You can't be a strict critic when it comes to something like this, they are not trying to prove themselves as great musicians, even though they are. If you compare it with actual death metal bands, it is a bit simple and generic, softer at some times. The drum and vocal work sound simplistic and weak in some parts. The awesomeness lies in the connection with Metalocalypse itself, and that's why the records sell that much and they are so popular. This proves how death metal or extreme metal in general can have good sales, its all a matter of promotion and labels should think about it. It seems like all the comments i did on the album are negative. However, i love it. Parody death metal animated, with songs to be packed in albums, its a good idea and it works.

DAMAGE: [6.5/10]

The Black Dahlia Murder - Nocturnal (2007)

The Black Dahlia Murder "Nocturnal"

2007, Metal Blade Records

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Above is a band that has caused controversial opinions among the metalheads and the scene kids, since everyone seems to have the correct point of view about them or has been named the father of all music and knows best. I will not lie, there are some aspects of them that are easy targets for hating: The logo is deathcore-ish (need i say more?). They kinda belong to the deathcore scene as well even though they do not play that kind of music, its probably because of the shirt artworks they use and their sound is quite crystal clear and br00t4l.

My thoughts on all these? Its crap. As long as its good, i don't care if its named Barbie Pop or Trash Can Funk or whatever, if you get herpes whenever "core" is violating your ears' tranquility, go tell these guys. Or these guys. And i know what you're thinking "Hey we don't mean these bands, these other mainstream MotionlessInWhite and similar garbage". I totally agree and you have a hell of a point, but fuck you. Music changes and fans should change with it.

Anyway, back to Nocturnal, which is to me the best album by TBDM including Ritual, even though thats also one big punch in the throat of melodic death metal bands that repeat themselves every 15 seconds. Hammering, fast, melodic and heavy songs, well-worked high pitch vocals combined with growls, weedy musicians, a kickass album art and pentagrams is what the album is about. Songs like "Warborn", "Virally Yours", "Of Darkness Spawned" place the album just a step above everything else they've made. Again, maybe Ritual is about the same, i have to listen to it some times more for a sure answer.

When it comes to melodeath im really selective, im either old school death or very well structured modern death, most bands on the latter side cannot meet these expectations for me. This band though, has progressed dramatically since their debut and its safe to say that they are one of the best bands in the area of modern death metal, along with other ones that everyone hates. Their fanbase and the whole HxC scene these days makes me wanna vomit as well, its not the fans that make a band good or bad though. Thats how i see it.

The Breathing Process - Odyssey (Un)dead (2010)

Country: USA

Genre: Symphonic Black / Melodic Death Metal

Label: Candlelight Records

Website: Facebook

When it comes to the modern sound of melodic death metal, im very picky, since i dislike the boy looking bands, the clean vocals, the fanbase of the scene, weak riffs and everything that can go wrong on an album combined. However, this is much different, a wonderful blend of synths, keys, melodies and well worked growling vocals. 

Plus, even the very carefully put cleans in the songs are not destroying anything now. Its an intense album even though it has interludes and "silent" parts, all the songs are fast paced and sound quite heavy. If there is anyone open to genre mixing, you might as well check this, if you have certain styles you like and would not change, do not waste your time.

Children Of Bodom - Hate Crew Deathroll (2003)

Country: Finland
Genre: Melodic Death / Power Metal
Label: Spinefarm Records
Website: Facebook / Myspace

Ok, the last of the CoB ones i have, and its been a long time since i bought it. Apart from the facts that ive mentioned so far, the story of the name of the band is quite interesting, unsolved murders have always been an intriguing mystery to me.

Grim Reaper (the guy in the covers of their albums) is the one that the survivor of that night in Lake Bodom said he saw, killing his friends. Even though there were not enough clues, he was a suspect for the murders. Anyway, this album contains their best song "Sixpounder".

If you liked the other two albums, one more is even better.

Children Of Bodom - Follow The Reaper (2000) [Reissue 2008]

Country: Finland
Genre: Melodic Death / Power Metal
Label: Spinefarm Records
Website: Facebook / Myspace

Probably my favourite release by them, based on the ones ive heard because i havent listened to all their albums. They have faster songs and more intense keys on this one, the different lines are bound perfectly together and the result is a melodeath awesomeness. The music would fit to battles in dark tales, even though the band does not have to do with this kind of themes.

The reissue contains 2 bonus tracks (the single version of "Hate Me" and a W.A.S.P. cover) and it contains some classic songs by them like "Everytime I Die" and "Bodom After Midnight", two of the most often-heard songs they have. "Hate Me" is my top though, for it has an awesome bridge to the chorus.

Children Of Bodom - Hatebreeder (1999) [Reissue 2008]

Children Of Bodom "Hatebreeder"

Spring 1999, Spinefarm Records

Lots of talking goes on around CoB, they have a die hard fan club but also there are plenty of haters around. As for me, im not a fan since im not following the band's news or album, i listen to their stuff and i like them, because despite the gay looking poser Laiho is, he is a great guitarist. This is their second full length, their debut was released in 1997.

I believe the originality of this band and the melodic riffs and solos made them überpopular, they still have very entertaining albums. "Bed Of Razors" and "Hatebreeder" are my favourite songs off this release. Lots of teenage kids support them and the old school elitists don't like that, but hey, do not judge a book by its cover.

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