No Nonsense Metal Reviews

A retrospective review- NAPALM DEATH: INSIDE THE TORN APART     In 1997, Napalm Death released their seventh full-length album, Inside The Torn Apart, a mere one year after it's massively divisive and polarising predecessor, Diatribes. Diatribes turned a lot of heads, (and a few diehard-fan's stomachs too) for its distinctive lack of the elements that had earned Napalm Death a place in the hearts and minds of many extreme Metal fans. That is not to say that Diatribes is a bad album, like every Napalm Death album it holds its own charm and attraction, however, it is neither a Grind-core or a Death-Metal record.     One year later, Napalm Death returned to reaffirm their status as one of the heaviest and most extreme bands around, or did they? Inside The Torn Apart is in no way a return to form, instead it is a brave crusade in a different direction. Instead of abandoning the new experimental sounds of Diatribes, Napalm Death incorporated it into their olde...

Morbid Angel: Kingdoms Disdained    Kingdoms Disdained has a lot to live up to, it also has a legacy to re-validate and redeem. Morbid Angel are responsible for creating some of the most legendary and pivotal extreme Metal records ever released, however, it cannot be ignored that they also birthed one of the most disappointing and terrible albums of the millennia. So, the big question is, can one album save a band from being written off completely and condemned as a "has been"?     The short answer is, yes. Kingdoms Disdained is one of the most furious and formidable Death-Metal albums of the century, and more than lives up to Morbid Angel's seminal early releases. The return of the demonic voice of, Steve Tucker, also marks a return to the sludgy, thick, filthy sound that characterised the bands releases during Tucker's previous residency in the band.     The albums is packed full of absolutely killer material and merciless,...

SEVEN (OF THE) BEST EXTREME METAL ALBUMS OF 2017    Another year, another extensive selection of new material to choose from, another opinionated list of the very best of the year. Regardless of the fact that this time of year sees music media swamped with "best of" lists, here is another (and obviously the best) list of the year's releases that deserve some attention. So here's to a fantastic year for Metal music, long may it continue! 7: KREATOR:  GODS OF VIOLENCE    Without Kreator, would there really be any extreme Metal? Probably, but without these German Thrash-Metal pioneering Gods, the scene would look very different indeed. A band that has always mastered speed and pure aggression, combining it with infectious rhythms and a sharp melodic edge, nowhere is this skill more evident than of the superb Gods Of Violence. Kreator's previous releases, including the flawless, Phantom Antichrist and even as far back as their masterpiece, Extreme Aggres...

BELPHEGOR: TOTENRITUAL    The only way to describe the intensity and sound of Belphegor's 11th full-length album, Totenritual, is that it is the musical equivalent of being hit by a massive, Satanic, Blackened Death Metal train, which has been covered in nails and goat skulls, and is also on fire.     Totenritual is easily Belphegor's most punishing and extreme album to date, noticeably turning up the extremity after previous assault, Conjuring The Dead. Opening track, " Baphomet " sets the tone for the rest of the album perfectly, launching head first into a Black Metal abyss of pounding, machine gun drumming, unhallowed vocals and horrifically distorted riffs. The banshee-esque shrieks that follow the sample introduction of, " The Devil's Son ", are nothing short of terrifying and awe-inspiring. The rest of the song is utterly delightful too, as Belphegor demonstrate, with extreme force, just how Black Metal should be done.     Laden heavy...

    PARADISE LOST: MEDUSA    As the seasons start to change and the warm light of Summer begins to fade, as the natural world around us begins to slowly die and decay, northern masters of misery, Paradise Lost, unleash their 15th studio album, to provide the perfect soundtrack to these ever darkening days. Make no mistake, Medusa, although far less obviously emotive than predecessor, The Plague Within, is an 8 track ceremony of deep, dark, doom, done right.    Paradise Lost are one of the most highly regarded bands of their ilk, and Medusa perfectly demonstrates why. Beginning proceedings is the 8 minute medley, " Fearless Sky ", a track that subjects listeners to some of the sludgiest, but also the grooviest notes of the entire album. Opening with the chilling sounds of an Organ, then rapidly descending into riffs which are the musical equivalent of wading through a swamp, before turning the tide with waves of Black Sabbath-worshiping melody, thi...

INCANTATION: PROFANE NEXUS    Incantation's 10th full length album, Profane Nexus, is the embodiment of Death Metal. Dripping with filthy riffs, full-throttle drumming, grotesque growling, and a generous helping of Autopsy brand Death-Doom, Profane Nexus is an essential for any fan of the band or old-school Death Metal done properly.    Staying true to their own unique take on the old-school style and sound, Profane Nexus is comprised of 11 songs of heretical brilliance, with nothing unexpected or unwelcome, no over complication, just total crushing heaviness. The opening track, " Muse ", is a perfect example of just how Death Metal should be done, with a complex or grand introduction nowhere to be heard, the track has a very brief instrumental, before the casket is kicked wind open and the rotten riffs are unleashed. " Muse ", like many of the tracks on the album, has a distinct Black Metal undertone, adding a very bleak and atmospheric grimness to their gro...

THE LURKING FEAR  OUT OF THE VOICELESS GRAVE    Out Of The Voiceless Grave is grim, gritty, dark, dirty and could easily have been released in the early 1990's golden era of old-school Death Metal. Steeped in all of the essential musical elements, and powered by an impressive line-up which features members of genre titans, At The Gates and God Macabre, The Lurking Fear know how to make Death Metal, and they do it very, very well.     Although super groups and side projects seem to come in droves within the extreme music world, The Lurking Fear definitely have an undeniable charm and attraction, rooted in the uncomplicated, very traditional style of old-school Death Metal that they are delivering. In traditional style, the album begins with an atmospheric, ominous introduction, before surging into " Vortex Spawn ", a whirlwind of old-school, packing riff work that would have felt right at home on Slayer's seminal album, Hell Awaits.    ...

EXPULSION: NIGHTMARE FUTURE    Expulsion are basically the embodiment of nostalgia. Featuring members of Grind and Gore legends, Repulsion and Exhumed, Expulsion play old-school late 1980's style Grindcore in spectacular style. However, let's make one thing clear, regardless of the fact that this band is probably the product of alcohol fueled musicians reminiscing about the golden era of Grind, Expulsion's debut release, Nightmare Future, is an mind-melting masterpiece.     Totaling a very modest 14 minutes running time, Nightmare Future is a short, sharp shock of pure old-school brilliance. Unsurprisingly, the apple has not fallen far from the tree, there are no weird and wild reinventions here, this is just pure Horrified tribute, mixed with a generous helping of classic Death worship, which is to be expected considering the pedigree of the band.     Kicking off the album, " Total Human Genocide " whips up a frenzy with all the insane spe...

ENTRAILS: WORLD INFERNO Old-school Death-Metal is not dead, despite what some "trve" and "kvlt" fans may believe. For proof of this, check out Entrails' phenomenal new album, World Inferno. Packed full of, Entombed and Dismember worshiping putrid buzz-saw riffs and filthy death-growls, World Inferno is a sterling effort that is sure to please even the most avid Death-Metal maniacs.     Upon listening to Entrails, it is clear that these guys are more than just a nostalgia band, you can hear that they are obviously passionate fans and listeners of the old ways themselves, which is apparent throughout World Inferno, whether it is on the Vomitory-esque, " Into Eternal Fire ", or " Serial Murder (Death Squad) ", which carries clear echos of, At The Gate's seminal, Slaughter Of The Soul.    The title track, " World Inferno ", opens the album in top form, complete with an eerie introduction that then launches into a full throttle ...

VALLENFYRE : FEAR THOSE WHO FEAR HIM    Utter filth. A strong statement, granted, but a fitting one here. Vallenfyre's third full-length release, "Fear Those Who Fear Him", is a disgusting, putrid, festering hive of excellence, bringing together the distinctive attributes of Old-school Death-Metal, Doom and crusty Grindcore, then masterfully stitching them altogether to create an entirely new monster.     Carrying on seamlessly in the style and intensity of it's predecessor, 2014's "Splinters", "Fear Those Who Fear Him", is a magnificent display of extremity, showcasing brilliant musicianship, which is unsurprising considering Vallenfyre's pedigree. In comparison to "Splinters", Fear Those Who Fear Him is definitely of a greater Grinding inclination, with tracks such as; " Messiah ", " Nihilist ", "Kill All Your Masters" and " Dead World Breathes ", guaranteed to make the passing Napalm...

SUFFOCATION: ..OF THE DARK LIGHT    Suffocation are one of the most important bands in Death-Metal. Period. Accredited by a majority of bands and fans of the sub-genre as being the Godfathers of brutal Death-Metal and Slam, Suffocation have forged an impressive legacy by creating the biggest, best and most brutally barbaric music around, perfectly demonstrated on their latest slab of mastery, "..Of The Dark Light".     Suffocation have come a long way since their legendary debut album, "Effigy Of The Forgotten", however the band has clearly lost none of their passion for creating extreme music, or their hunger to redefine the limits, which made their debut so memorable and defining. "Of The Dark Light" shows a band at the top of their game, although still strongly rooted in the style that they pioneered back in the 1990's, this album is one of the most current and exciting releases to be unleashed upon the brutal Death-Metal scene in years.    ...

SIX FEET UNDER: TORMENT     Six Feet Under are certainly no strangers to Death-Metal. Since forming in the early 1990's, they have released an impressive 12  full-length albums, excluding the four cover albums. Considering this, it is amazing that a band this well progressed in their career is still able to create barbaric music of exceptionally high quality, while noticeably embracing musical creativity and evolution, and staying true to their own identity and the Death-Metal scene that they themselves helped to build and grow into the ever flourishing eco-system that we know and love today.     In case you were wondering, or worried, Torment is definitely and indisputably Death-Metal. Right from the face-slashing first notes of opening track, " Sacrificial Kill ", to the pounding closure of " Roots Of Evil ", frontman and mastermind, Chris Barnes leads his ensemble through wave after wave of heavy, groove-ridden Death-Metal, with his unique...

Traumatomy  Transcendental Evisceration Of Necrogenetic Beasts    Within the worldwide Slamcrew, Traumatomy are fast becoming a household name. A majority of the credit for this notoriety is owed to their debut full-length album, Transcendental Evisceration Of Necrogenetic Beasts. Originally released back in 2013, the debut is now benefiting from a re-release through Slamchester Records, and as a result, the album is certain to leave a much harder and faster impression than the first time around.     There is no getting around the basic fact that Transcendental..., is an unapologetic Slam arsenal, with all the gutturals, blast-beats and teeth-shattering drops to satisfy the basic needs of any Slamcrew faithful. However, Transcendental... goes well above and beyond the standard, clocking in at an uncharacteristic and unrelenting 31 minutes of pure hammer-inducing savagery. Thankfully, the diversity of these tracks do their part to keep their victims e...

Jungle Rot: Order Shall Prevail    For the best part of two decades, Jungle Rot have been breathing life into the Oldschool Death-Metal beast. Although firmly rooted in the underground, Jungle Rot have been steadily gaining notoriety throughout their career, reaching scene wide recognition with previous releases; Kill On Command, and the blistering 2013 release, Terror Regime. With their latest release, Order Shall Prevail, Jungle Rot look set to reach critical level, with their most flawless and furious album to date.    Continuing along the Vader approved path of Thrash infused Death-Metal, Order Shall Prevail is a turbo-charged, full throttle Metal assault, that perfectly accompanies their previous releases, but with a fresh and more invigorating edge. The production is clean, yet raw enough to appease the true Oldschool masses.     The melodic riffing is in a far greater supply than even on Terror Regime, with chugging breakdowns appearing...

THY ART IS MURDER:  HOLY WAR        Australia's slamming Deathcore merchants have done it again, with a brand new full length album, Holy War, that could shake the very foundations of the Death-Metal scene and see these rising stars ascend to their deserved heights. The question is, will they be able to escape the potentially career damaging "Deathcore" title?    The short answer, is yes. Holy War is a savage affair, with guttural growls, blastbeats and breakdowns to rival the most extreme bands in the business. Anyone foolish enough to overlook Thy Art Is Murder, simply for being labelled as Deathcore, is missing out on a truly spectacular record.    If you are a Death-Metal fan of open mind who likes their music fast, heavy and relentless, or are an existing fan of Thy Art Is Murder and their style, then Holy War will not disappoint. Clearly the band has come a long way since previous release, Hate, in terms of musicianship and son...

IHATE    Since the very first pioneering releases of the late 1980's, Death-Metal has consistently been a haven for all things sick and twisted. Although remaining firmly in the Metal underground, some Death-Metal vocalists and musicians have become household names among the loyal hordes of fans, which is why IHATE may have caught the attention of many extreme Metal fans. Boasting an experienced line up for their debut release, IHATE sees the combined forces of Six Feet Under's guttural master, Chris Barnes, alongside Bob Taggett and Deicide shredder, Brian Hoffman. The resulting work is exactly what you would expect, crushing, energetic Old-school Death-Metal, forged by the experts themselves.    If you are lucky enough to get your hands on a physical copy of this Metal masterclass, then you will soon realise that this is not your average release. The first half of the album showcases IHATE's debut material in demo form, while the second half contains the same t...

Six Feet Under  Crypt Of The Devil   If you know anything about Six Feet Under, then you probably already know what you are getting with Crypt Of The Devil. This album is the embodiment of Death-Metal done the right way. It's extreme, packed with melodic riffs, gruesome lyrics and Chris Barnes iconic vocal mastery, and is without a doubt Six Feet Under's most consistent and brilliant album to date.    For the eleventh full length studio album, Chris Barnes enlisted seasoned Metal expects; Phil Hall, Josh Hall and Brandon Ellis, known for their incredible Weed-themed Death-Metal band, Cannabis Corpse. The resulting album is something very special. Crypt Of The Devil is a genuinely enjoyable listen, from start to finish there is nothing but excellent musicianship and neck-cracking brutality.     Chris Barnes is no stranger to Death-growling vocals, but Crypt Of the Devil shows this pioneering man on top form. From staple cuts like " Gruesome " and...

SPAWNED FROM HATE:  ACCELERATED BUTCHERY EP    The modern Death-Metal underground is currently bursting with bright new talented bands, all trying to bring something new to the table in order to stand out from the crowd. For Birmingham based outfit, Spawned From Hate, their energising take on the heavy stuff does just the job. Oozing with the true old-school Death-Metal grime, their latest release, the crushing Accelerated Butchery EP, is guaranteed to give the band underground notoriety.     From the static, extraterrestrial gargling sounds of the intro alone, you get the feeling that you know what is coming. Soon as the title track kicks in, suspicions are confirmed and heads are banging. Thick, crunchy riffs and traditional growls are the order of the day here, crafted into a sound that carries undeniable tones of classic Death and Obituary. That said, there is an definite freshness about Accelerated Butchery, as well as a strong consistency wit...