Interview with Deathraiser

 

1.Hello how are things going in Brazil this week? Please introduce yourself to the readers?

Hello man, firstly I want to thank you for the interview opportunity, but I'm fine, this is William, drummer, let's go...

2.When did you first discover Thrash Metal and what is it about this genre of music that drew you in?

Discovering thrash metal as a teenager, when a friend lent me a K7 tape of Metallica, Kill em all, from then on everything changed, I had never heard that in my life, I already knew some "lighter" things, but that speed and aggression in the riffs left me impacted.

3.Who were the first bands and artists that you discovered and who are some of your current favorite bands?

At this time of discovery, Metallica was the first, then more bands appeared, Slayer, Megadeth, Exodus, the best known, after that we went deeper into Thrash metal, came Kreator, Destruction, Dark Angel and other more aggressive bands, they are influences for us to this day, of course, in addition to Brazilian metal as well.

4.Deathraiser was formed in 2009 when did you all decide to start this band? How did you choose Deathraiser as the name of the band?

Deathraiser came up with the name Mercilless before, the band was formed in 2006, but in 2009 we changed the name to Deathraiser, since then we have been the same lineup. The name came from the song by the band Attomica, from the album "Disturbing the noise", as we really liked that album, that's where the band's name came from.

5.Who would you say are the bands biggest influences and have they remained the same over the years? For the readers who have never heard Deathraiser how would you best describe the bands musical style?

Our influences remain the same, our sound proposal is to play old school, fast and aggressive thrash metal, our main influences are Sepultura (old), Sarcophagus, Attomica, Kreator, Demolition Hammer, Dark Angel, Slayer, among many others, we hate modernity (laughs).

6.Forged In Hatred is the bands second full length that will be released through Xtreem Music when did you all first come in contact with this label?

This contact came about through the extinct "Myspace", at the time we put out our first demo "Possessed by Thrash", and Dave from Xtreem Music contacted us to launch a new album.

7.Does the whole band take part in the writing process or does one member usually write the music for the songs? How long does it usually take to complete one song?

Our composition process is very slow (Laughs) that's why it took so long to release the second album (More laughs), but we started with the riffs, I also play the guitar, so that makes it a lot easier, and Thiago also does some riffs, and that's how the first songs appear, in the composition part it's more me and him, after putting together the skeleton of the song, the other musicians give their ideas. But there were songs that came out quickly and others that took too long, our process is careful for each riff (laughs).

8.Where does the band draw inspiration for the lyrics and what are some subjects written about on the new release?

A very good question, but I see few people talking about the lyrics, our lyrics process is also time consuming, we want to convey something with the lyrics, that's what happened in this second album, there were current and old issues that happened in our country, and in our locality, lyrics about the pandemic, problems that happened years ago in Brazil and that have now been revealed, and of course an overview of everything that has happened here in the last few years in our view.

9.Besides the upcoming Forged In Hatred release are there any copies of the debut release still for sale? What other merchandise do you currently have available for the readers to purchase?

We recently opened our virtual store, containing some items, such as the first album "Violent Aggression", shirts, and the CD, Vinyl and K7 version of the new album, you can check it out on the Link: https://deathraisermerch.lojavirtualnuvem.com.br

10.Has Deathraiser had the opportunity to play very many live shows over the years? If yes what have been some of your most memorable shows?Who are some bands you have gotten to share the stage with?

We played a lot of shows throughout our history, without a doubt our first tour through the North and Northeast of Brazil was something memorable, but for us every show is important, but we can say that one of our last shows alongside Violator in Belo Horizonte was very special, playing in the city where Sepultura and Sarcofago were created, visiting the tomb where the cover of the album "INRI" became was incredible for us.

11.Are there any tours or shows planned in support of Forged In Hatred? If yes where will the band be playing?

At the moment we are focused on playing here in Brazil this year, and we have plans for a European tour next year, which will be our main goal with this album.

12.Deathraiser comes out of Brazil's thrash metal scene what are your thoughts of the scene in Brazil over the years?

The Brazilian scene is very rich, we have great bands, since the 80s revealing bands to the world, this is very important for us, we know how difficult it is to have a band here in Brazil, it is not easy, but we know the importance of our bands and this is what motivates us to continue.

13.Who are your all-time favorite bands coming out of Brazil?Are their any new bands you could recomend to the readers?

As I said above, we have great bands, and memorable bands that influenced us, we can mention Sepultura, Sarcofago, Chakal, Mutilator, Attomica, The mist, among many others, from our generation, in addition to the friendship we have, they were also influential for us, such as Farscape, Violator, Blasthrash, that's what I always recommend.

14.Besides working in Deathraiser do any of the members currently work with other bands or solo projects? If yes please tell the readers a little about them?

At the moment we don't have other projects, but we wanted to, but over the years the commitments increased, so we don't have much time for other projects (laughs).

15.Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final comments for the readers?

Thank you, for us it's a pleasure to be able to have this conversation, for the bangers, listen to our new album, and you'll have a rush of thrash metal in your ears (laughs).                                                        Deathraiser https://www.facebook.com/DeathraiserOfficial/# https://www.instagram.com/DeathraiserOfficial Xtreem Music https://shop.xtreemmusic.com/english.main.index.php https://xtreemmusic.bandcamp.com/album/forged-in-hatred https://www.facebook.com/xtreemmusic666?fref=ts https://www.instagram.com/xtreemmusic/ https://www.youtube.com/xtreemmusic

Exodus--Goliath (CD/LP) {2026 Napalm Records}

This is Exodus' thirteenth album, and it may prove to be unlucky. I've always loved that crunchy Exodus guitar sound, from the first record to today, and it's present here and turned way up. I have to say, though, that this is their first record since Shovel Headed Kill Machine that I've checked out, and that while it's ok, this isn't what I expect to hear from these legends. Rob Dukes' vocals are ok, but not nearly as expressive as Souza's. I don't mind them. The songs get a little better, but are still hit and miss, the further the listener gets into the record. They no longer have that magic they did in the 1980s and on a few album in the 2000s. The songs are all about a minute too long, coming in at five to seven minutes in length. Diehard fans will probably still buy this, but they won't be falling all over themselves to go get it. It stands as an acceptable addition to their canon, but just barely. The spark that ignited their popularity is gone for the moment, buried under forgettable riffs and sub-par songwriting.

www.napalmrecords.com

Stygian Steel--Black Lotus Veil (Digital) {2026 Independent}

Stygian Steel hail from Norway, and this is their only release so far. I keep finding these little gems of epic heavy metal, so let's keep these coming, metal scene! It's my favorite kind of traditional heavy metal. Stygian Steel features engaging songwriting and folk-like vocal melodies combining to form grandiose epics. I can hear some influence from Bathory's Viking albums, Manilla Road, Solstice (UK), and perhaps Borknagar. The vocals, while not flashy, really grow on you the more you listen to the record - the singer's rather flat style is endearing in the same way Ozzy's was. The drummer plays his ass off, and he's got plenty of room to do so, with big open riffs giving him the opportunity to really go around his kit in entertaining ways. The guitar solos are fantastic, going big every time to add to the epic feel of every song. They also experiment with some different sonic textures here and there, whether guitar effect or synth, which really adds to the atmosphere of the record. This is a top notch epic metal record, and it ranks up there with the best the genre has to offer. I'm a huge fan already!

stygiansteel.bandcamp.com

Triumph--Opposing Equality cd{Black Plague Rec./Pagan Fury Rec.}

 

Coming  out of Nevada's bestial black and death metal scene is Triumph and this is a review of his newest release.Opposing Equality is eight tracks of straight forward brutal black and death metal.The guitars are a whirlind of extremly fast paced patterns.Even though the guitars are played with high speed intensity their are some well delievered passages throughout the songs.The drums are chaotic blasting drums that are powerful and destructive.The  drums do slow to a heavier mid paced range throughout a few of the songs that are played with equally the skill and power as the faster paced drums.The vocals are raw black metal screams and some gruff growls that fit the music perfectly.If you are a fan of brutal and aggressive black death metal that doesn't follow any trends then be sure to pick up a copy of this cd today!!                                                                                                                            Triumph                                                                                                                                                       https://triumph-warmetal.bandcamp.com/                                                                                                  Black Plague Rec.                                                                                                                                        https://blackplaguestore.com/                                                                                                                      https://www.facebook.com/people/BLACK-PLAGUE-RECORDS/100063690631520/#                        Pagan Fury Rec.                                                                                                                                                            https://www.barbaricfury.shop/                                                                                                                              https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569458082691

Transilvania--Magia Posthuma (CD/LP) {2026 Invictus Productions}

Hailing from Austria, this is the third full length from Transilvania, and the first real new recording in five years since their 2021 full length. They play a slightly thrashed-up style of black metal that pulls in a few influences from first wave black metal, and a ton of influence from second wave bands. The riffs manage to be cold as well as energetic, and each song has quite a bit of inertia. They have that peculiar style of melody that so many black metal bands have, driven yet understated, reminding me a little of Dissection at some points, with some grandiose sections to spice things up. Songwriting is a strength for Transilvania, and they seem to have an almost classic heavy metal writing style with excellent transitions and enough repetition of riffs for the songs to be catchy but not hypnotic - it's almost thrash songwriting, really. The quality of riffing here cannot be overstated. The guitars are a pleasure to listen to, and it's a quite diverse set of songs with a few different riffing styles. While not necessarily a black thrash release, it does have elements of it present, but all black metal fans should find this interesting in some way. The songwriting alone is good enough to warrant repeated listens.

Nuclear Warfare--All Hail to the Liberator (Digital) {2026 Independent}

This is the seventh full length from this German thrash outfit since their debut in 2001. I would expect a band with as long of a career as Nuclear Warfare to be more polished and inventive as far as their songwriting and riffs. As it is, what's on this record doesn't move me much. The riffs are typical of Germanic thrash that see probably too much repetition, and above all they're pretty average fare that I've heard thrash bands use a million times. The vocals are a growlier version of Schmier's style and are probably the best thing about the release, other than some instances of lyrics that just aren't any good. "United by Thrash," guys? Been done. And then there's the song about going to the supermarket because you're all out of shit you need. Not kidding, it's called "Rough Day." The drums are steady but they sort of just sit in the pocket most of the time. Overall, just an uninspired effort that has me hitting the skip button repeatedly, and it's probably one you can skip, too.

nuclearwarfarethrash.bandcamp.com

Mortopsy--Putrefactive States Of The Human Form cd{Black Plague Rec./Pagan Fury Rec.}

 

Mortopsy is a solo band coming out of the Canadian brutal death,grind scene and this is a review of his debut EP.Putrefactive States Of The Human Form is  five tracks of early to mid 90's style of death grinding madness.The guitars are a mix of heavy mid paced guitar patterns and some faster more intense passages.Both guitar styles are played with intensity and well delievered.Their are even a few well performed guitar solos in a few of the songs for a nice touch to add to the bands style and sound.The vocals are extreme and brutal with some heavy death metal growls that are delievered with power.If you are a fan of well executed death grind Then do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of the debut EP. today.                                                                                                                                          Mortopsy                                                                                                                                                    https://mortopsy.bandcamp.com/album/putrefactive-states-of-the-human-form-ep                                    https://www.facebook.com/MortopsyBand                                                                                                  Black Plague Rec.                                                                                                                                          https://blackplaguestore.com/                                                                                                                      https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063690631520#                                                                Pagan Fury Rec.                                                                                                                                            https://www.barbaricfury.shop/                                                                                                                    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569458082691

Iron Firmament--In the Land of Pre-Human Kings (LP) {2026 Wergild Records}

Here we have some suitably epic sounding black metal from the state of Washington that focuses on fantasy in the lyrics. They remind me a bit of Moonblood and Satanic Warmaster, but with their own twist on the style. They're not a clone like so many other bands, and there are clones aplenty in the scene. They have wondrous synths that occasionally appear in the music that helps the fantasy landscape to materialize in the imagination, really emphasizing the epic feel of the music. They rely heavily on tremolo-picked riffs, but they'll throw a curveball at the listener occasionally and vary their approach with an aggressive or epic riff, or even a quiet interlude. The repetition combined with all the tremolo-picking gives some of their songs an almost hypnotic quality. The production is suitably raw, but all the instruments are clearly audible and cleanly played. There is no slop here, the band is tight. If this interests you, you will have to settle for digital, since the LP is now sold out in pre-orders, but I highly recommend checking it out anyway. 

wergild.bandcamp.com

Nuctemeron--Demonic Sceptre (CD/LP) {2026 I Hate Records}

This is the first full length from Nuctemeron from Germany, but the band has existed and been releasing smaller records since 2016. Horror-inspired synths begin the record, setting the mood for this piece of black speed metal. They play in style similar to Nifelheim but without as much thrash in their sound, and more classic speed metal influence. The vocalist sounds like Schmier if he had huffed a balloon full of helium before recording each song - in other words, he's quite high-pitched and his line delivery is unhinged. He sounds quite unique. The production does quite a bit to mimic '80s metal albums, and it succeeds nicely. This could exist alongside bands from that era and fit right in. Musically, the band is competent, but they're a little loose. I think this is intentional, again to mimic those '80s albums where digital fixes of mistakes did not exist. I like it, and it makes them sound imperfectly human. This one's a must-hear for black thrash fans, and there's nothing here that disappoints.

www.ihate.se

Protruding Growth--Growing Mass demo{digital}{Independent2025}

 

Protruding Growth is a new  one man band that plays brutal death metal with influences from the early 2000's and also the current brutal death metal scene.Growing Mass is a short intro and then the music kicks off with a mix of heavy mid paced guitars that are heavy.The guitars do speed to a much faster tempo throughout the songs.The vocals are deep death metal growls that are powerful.Protruding Growth is not breaking any new ground or styles but i don't think he really wants to either.Fans of brutal,sick death metal should check this out today. 

Protruding Growth

https://protrudinggrowth.bandcamp.com/album/growing-mass-demo

Surturian--II - Hessian Spears (LP/CS) {2026 Crawling Chaos Records}

Hailing from Germany, this is Surturian's first full length. They play Kreator-style thrash metal with a classic heavy metal sense of melody and songwriting. Guitar harmonies and solos aren't a rarity here as with some thrash acts, and the playing is rather good. The riffs tend toward the anthemic, big and bold, with melodies flowing over top them a lot of the time. Really, this is a hybrid style, half thrash and half traditional metal, the more I listen to it. The music is a step above a lot of bands trying to play thrash these days. The vocals are delivered in a Mille-like snarl, at times with a bit of perhaps ill-conceived attempts at melody. The singer's vocals are stronger when he's not trying to sing and sticks with snarling out harsher sounds. I think a bit more work could be done on the vocal patterns as well, as they're a bit typical and sing-songy, and it really does drag the music down a bit when the rest of it is so promising. 

www.thecrawlingchaos-records.de

Legendry--Alive Behind the Castle Walls (Digital) {2026 Independent}

This album was recorded live at Keep It True Rising IV in Germany in 2024, and is just now seeing the light of day via Legendry's Bandcamp site. If I was in a band again, and on a label, I would do the same thing and release any quality live recordings I had independently. It's a good strategy. Legendry play epic heavy metal in the vein of Manilla Road, and sometimes have a hard rock aspect to them. I even hear nods to space rock on the first song "The Wizard and the Tower Keep." The singer has an almost folk delivery in some songs, and you can really hear the '70s rock influences along with classic metal influence in his voice. I really like how the synths fill out the band's sound and add some real depth to it. Extensive use of guitar effects is made, and they serve to emphasize the long jams the band goes on. This is absolutely worth the money if you're already a Legendry fan, and if it is your first time encountering them, it's a great place to hear some key songs for the first time.

legendry.bandcamp.com

Vector--Brain Collector (Digital) {2026 Independent}

This is Bay Area style thrash from France with shouted vocals. The riffs are decent and some of this is even fairly technical, all jagged edges and speed. There's even some progressive metal influence at work here, as you can hear in the solo section of the song "Bliss Through Butchery." I didn't find this to be all that exciting unfortunately, and it was the vocals more than anything that turned me off. They're gruff, shouted vocals that just sound a bit too "hardcore" for this material. A good analogy is using death metal vocals in a power metal band - it just doesn't mesh quite right with this classic thrash style. If you're a serious thrasher and don't mind the shouted vocals, this could still be up your alley, but for me it's a hard pass.

vectorofficiel.bandcamp.com

Niohoggr--Summons Ov A Godless Past CD{Plague Demon Rec.}

 

Puerto Rico's solo project  Niohoggr returns with another great release of raw black metal.Summons Ov A Godless Past is thirteen tracks of raw very well performed and played black metal.The guitars are played with a mix of both mid paced guitars and some faster paced passages.The guitars are done with some excellenc guitar passages and arrangements.The vocals are a mix of demonic raw death metal growls  and some raw black metal screams are used throughout the songs.On the new release their are also some well done cover songs covers of Dimmu Borgir,Emperor and Tsjuder all of the covers are played with great musicianship and well delievered vocals.If you are a fan of  Niohoggr then be sure to pick this  release up today you won't be disapointed and if you are a new listener and enjoy raw well executed black metal be sure to pick this release up as well.                                                                    Niohoggr                                                                                                                                                      https://www.facebook.com/niohoggrofficial/                                                                                              https://www.instagram.com/niohoggr.official/?fbclid=IwAR3ZJViIMh9yZCeh68qwdBGqxBhkhUNWNJaQOl17t7VWrwkewtXwBbZxsDo              https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYfZI53f2anNEEtjd3ed4rw                                                              Plague Demon  Rec.                                                                                                                                    https://plaguedemonrecords.bandcamp.com/merch                                                                                    https://www.facebook.com/Plaguedemonrecords.net/                                                                                  https://www.instagram.com/namtar.axarcuth                                                                                              https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt4Jqad8hAHPHisR2aU4Q4A

Anubis--Anthromorphicide (CD/LP) {2026 M-Theory Audio}

Well, this was a nice surprise. I wasn't aware of this band before receiving their promo, and I'm glad I chose this for review. Anubis play highly skilled thrash metal with quite a bit of power metal influence, and they have a unique sound, combining these styles in ways other bands don't with plenty of melody and aggression at the same time. Their songwriting is fairly traditional, utilizing some verse/chorus/verse structures, which makes it even catchier. The playing is fucking impeccable, from drums to bass to guitar, and remarkably technical. Guitar harmonies appear as often as fast thrash riffs. They're also not afraid to dip into more extreme techniques, either - there are some blastbeats on this record, and they make each song they're in that much more intense. Now, the vocals - these stand out. The singer's voice is powerful, melodic, and properly metal. He's strong. Very strong. He's also not afraid of vocal harmonies, as they occur all throughout the record. There are so many other things I could mention, too, like the synths (sparingly and intelligently used), the female vocals in one song, the death metal vocals in another song. There's a lot going on here, and they pull from the entire metal spectrum for ideas. This is just an amazing record, and easily one of my top picks so far this year. Metal as fuck, and highly recommended.

www.m-theoryaudio.com

Triumpher--Piercing the Heart of the World (CD/LP) {2026 No Remorse Records}

Holy shit. That was my reaction after getting through the first song. I was listening to something very, very special. Yes, the people comparing this band to Manowar are right - they definitely take heavy inspiration from them, but they add so much more to it. I hear elements of Bathory's Viking albums, elements of black metal, and over it all a pall of darkness that Manowar never even considered. The singer sounds a lot like Eric Adams sometimes and he possesses the same vocal histrionics, although he's not quite at the level of talent that Eric has. He is formidable, however, in his own right. The musclebound metal is present here in both style and spirit and these guys are taking that sound to places never thought of before, and I thank from from my metalized heart to theirs for keeping this kind of epic metal alive. This band fills a void for me left by Manowar's absence in the scene today, and I'll be tracking down each and every one of their records. Do yourself a huge favor and hear this any way you can. 

Vanity's Disciple--Blind Belief... Ill Intention (Digital) {2026 Independent}

This is the first and only release from this Grecian heavy metal band. This was quite a surprise, a very competent band with amazing songwriting skills and enough riffs for ten bands. The album is a concept piece about the different sins of mankind and all the different ways humanity can fail. I can hear influences from all over the traditional and thrash metal spectrum, but if I had to compare this to anything it would be a mix of Blind Guardian and Nevermore, with the former's melody and the latter's darkness. The vocals are acrobatic and well-sung, with a very inspired sense of melody that doesn't merely stick to the riffs, instead exploring all the space around them. We even get some vocal harmonies here and there. This is spectacular for a first record, and I look forward to seeing what else this band can do with their progressive yet traditional heavy metal sound.

vanitysdisciple.bandcamp.com

Immaculate--Spreading Of Infernal Gloom{digital}{Independent}

 

Immaculate is a black death metal band coming out of Austria and this is a review of the debut EP.-Spreading Of Infernal Gloom consisting of two instrumentals and two full length songs.The music is a blend of melodic death and black metal.The first song is Putrescent Mind Excarnation is a mid paced song with some whispering style death metal growls and some mid paced guitars.The last song is Comprehending The Incromprenensible starts off a little faster with guitars but soon returns to the mid paced slower paced guitars.The vocals are death metal growls that are really good in this song.If you are looking for a mid paced black and death metal band then you might give Immaculate a listen today.      Immaculate

https://immacvlate.bandcamp.com/album/spreading-of-infernal-gloom-ep                                              https://www.youtube.com/@lmmacuIate

Storm Demon--A Horrifying Conflagration Of Luciferian Supremacy{digital}{Independent}

 

Storm Demon is a solo project  coming out of California's black metal scene and this is a review of the latest full length.A Horrifying Conflagration Of Luciferian Supremacy is  eleven tracks of crazed fast black metal with some death metal elements added in a few of the songs.The music is a frenzied and chaotic mix of raw guitars and programmed drums.Both are played with extreme speed.The guitars do have some some very well performed solo's and patterns mixed into the chaotic music.The vocals are raw black metal screams.Storm Demon  plays a good style of blackend death metal if you are looking for a new band that plays this style then be sure to check out Storm Demon today.                                    Storm Demon                                                                                                                                              https://stormdemon.bandcamp.com/

Bezkres-Naturalna Nietolerancja CD&LP{Signal Rex.}

 

Coming out of Poland's black metal scene is Bezkres who plays traditional old school black metal.Naturalna Nietolerancja is the debut full length featurning nine tracks of  well executed and delievered black metal that adds a nice mix of mid paced and some faster passages into the music.The guitars are played with some primitive and raw guitars that are cold in the delievery.The guitarist  does write some good guitar patterns that showcases his writing ability.The drums are a mix of mid paced drums that are played with power and ability.But like the guitars the drummer does speed to a much faster pace throughout a few of the songs.The vocals are grim and gruff growls and some screams are used as well throughout the record.If you are a  looking for a well delievered black metal band and release then be sure to check out  Naturalna Nietolerancja  when it is released. 

Bezkres

https://www.facebook.com/bezkresblackmetal                                                                                          https://www.instagram.com/bezkres_blackmetal

https://www.youtube.com/@bezkres_blackmetal                                                                                          Signal  Rex

https://www.signalrex.com/                                                                                                                        https://signalrex.bandcamp.com/                                                                                                                https://www.facebook.com/signalrec                                                                                                          https://www.instagram.com/signalrex

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoNXa1wImsM-SvFY2hTnNMA

 

 

Vaulderie--Sanguinoctum (CD) {2026 Witches Brew Records}

This is the first full length from this Tacoma, WA area black thrash horde. They play genuinely aggressive black thrash complete with blastbeats and the occasional epic black metal riff pokes out amid all the chaos. I must applaud the songwriting on the record, it's extremely catchy stuff. It's all over the place influence-wise, and I hear a lot of Venom and Bathory, but I also hear too many other things to list, but here's a few: Celtic Frost, 80's speed metal, Motorhead, second wave black metal, and the fucking kitchen sink. Every track here is a well-crafted monument to metal, real fans making real metal the right way, aggressive and evil. The vocals are most of the time a standard black metal style, but we get little nods to Cronos and Tom Warrior all over the record. I can't recommend this one highly enough.

www.witchesbrew.eu

Karloff--Revered by Death (CD/LP) {2026 Dying Victims Productions}

This is the second full length from this German punk-influenced black metal band, which reminds me quite a bit of Midnight crossed with Hellhammer. It's simple and primitive yet pristinely played material, filled with Tom Warrior-style attitude. The vocals remind me of the cult crust band Amebix a little bit, or maybe Axegrinder. This isn't very aggressive stuff, even if it's quite dark and morbid, but is laid back with mostly mid-paced tempos. It's just not built for intensity. Every once in a while a second wave-style black metal riff worms its way in and when it does it's super satisfying and merges well with the rest of the metal. There's probably enough meat on the bone here to be of interest to devotees of black thrash, and definitely for crust punk aficionados.

www.dying-victims.de

Loanshark--No Sins to Confess (CD/LP) {2026 ROAR! Records}

This is the first full length from this Spanish heavy metal outfit. From the start I could tell this record was going to be a solidly played effort as far as the guitars. There's some impressive riffing going on here with a high level of technicality. Sonically, I could make comparisons, but suffice it to say this is just good Iron Maiden-influenced heavy fuckin' metal, and that's all you need to know. They could use a new singer, however. He's pitchy and his range is limited. I think he would possibly be better if he sang a bit lower, with some gruffness maybe, say, like Running Wild. Don't get me wrong, he's not terrible, but he's not great, either. He clearly excels at his other instrument, the guitars, which are unimpeachable on the album. I think with an adjustment in the vocal department this band could be one of the best out there.

www.roar.gr

Burning Path--Burning Path (CD/LP) {2026 Dying Victims Productions}

From the ashes of the mighty Lucifer's Hammer comes Burning Path, a traditional metal band with a strong sense of melody and real metal atmosphere. The guitar and bass attack in tandem and remind me a bit of Iron Maiden mixed with '80s American heavy metal like early Dokken or Omen. The singer doesn't push too hard, and I think his range is rather limited. That's how how he copes with it, staying in a certain range where he's most effective, which is the smart play. I respect that in a singer. Know what you're good at doing. That said, he's a bit pitchy from time to time, and if you worship vocals like me, you'll definitely be able to tell. The guitars sound very '80s, and I believe there to be quite heavy effects on them. That doesn't bother me. The playing is good and the heavy metal flows! Overall, this is a decent effort, good but not essential, and certainly worth the time it takes to listen.

www.dying-victims.de

Hunger--Ruler of the Wolves (CD/CS) {2025 Jawbreaker Records}

This Spanish band gives us five original songs plus a Stormwitch cover ("Beware the Demons") on this EP. They're very much in the vein of early Running Wild, which is absolutely wonderful to hear, since Running Wild themselves no longer sound like that. True metal feeling bleeds from these songs, and you can tell the band are fans of the music they're making. They write about evil and the devil, which are always preferred topics for metal! The singer's voice is usually gruff, like the vocals on old Running Wild, but he can carry a melody and does so with great proficiency. He understands his voice, and I can tell. The productions even hearkens back to '80s values with a natural drum sound and what I believe to be mic'ed cabinets for the guitars. Plus, the cover is amazing with a bigass werewolf with burning red eyes facing off with a warrior wielding a sword. I highly recommend this one if you are at all a fan of traditional metal

www.jawbreaker.se

Mossgiver--Renewer (Digital) {2026 Sij Musicart}

This is completely unique epic, atmospheric black metal with soaring melodies and excellent (if long) songs. There's almost a folk aspect to some of the melodies, and it's perfect for this band. Flute-like synths appear in the second eponymous track and several other tracks throughout the record, which I thought was a most interesting choice. However, the synths are diverse and do a lot of the heavy lifting as far as the melodies. The image of the band is wild, a hooded cloaked figure in the woods at springtime with a face of moss. I'd run like a scared little bitch if I saw that while out hiking. The band perfectly captures the majesty of nature, and since that's what they write about, I'd classify that as a resounding success. The vocals almost remind me of a staticky wall of sound, which is a strange choice given the clarity of the production, but it helps keep an underground aesthetic in the music. The songs themselves are all longer - we get five total tracks, three songs between eight and ten minutes in length, and a pair of two minute instrumentals. There's almost a magical effect these songs have, though, in that they don't seem nearly that long when you're actually listening to them and taking the ride provided by the music. They're so epic, so majestic, that you fall into them and don't come up for air until the album is over. All I can say is this album is a triumph of skill, and I highly recommend it to any of you metalists that want epic black metal.

sijmusicart.bandcamp.com

Pest Hole--Relax (LP) {2026 Angry Voice Records}

Here's a genre I don't get to review much - crust. This isn't straight crust, however, it's a pure mixture of crust and thrash metal, a fullblown metalpunk album. Not only does it have infectious punk songwriting and hard driving thrash riffs, but the two styles are fused together so completely that there's no dividing line between them. It's all metal and all punk, all the time. The vocals are sung in a fairly typical harsh crust punk yell, but at the same time it's breathy and raspy. The Motorhead influence is front and center and you can hear it in both the bass and the guitar. Fans of Inepsy and Toxic Holocaust should take note, as well as fans of old Bolt Thrower, Anti-Cimex, and Onslaught. This is good stuff, and full of aggressive riffing with a nod to the masters of the past.

www.angry-voice-records.de

Axe Dragger--Axe Dragger (CD/LP) {2026 Ripple Music}

Axe Dragger features current members of Fu Manchu and Dark Funeral, and ex-members of Pentagram and Pantera. The only comparisons I can really make here would be to the band's admitted influences like Riot, Judas Priest, and Armored Saint, but with a sound that's very much modern traditional metal, stemming from the productions values mainly. Every single song is memorable and distinct, as a good heavy metal album ought to have. The singer, who was the original singer of Pantera, has a smooth voice, but he's able to break out some great screams from time to time as well. Every member turns in an excellent performance, in fact, and I'd expect no less from this group. Knowing the guitarist is in Fu Manchu, I can hear some Sabbath-ian influence in the riffs, and it's most welcome. This is one of those albums that actually does live up to the hype of being a so-called "supergroup," and it should be on your radar if you're looking for good traditional metal.

www.ripple-music.com

Melting Rot--Infatuation With Premeditation Cd&Lp{Hells Headbangers}

 

Melting Rot  is a grinding death metal band that comes out of Illinois and this is a review of the bands second full length.Infatuation With Premeditation  is eleven tracks of grinding madness that is done with powerful music passages.The drums are non stop blasting drums that are devestating in their delievery.The guitars are played at a whirlwind fast paced guitar patterns.The vocals are brutal death metal growls and some insanely gruff screams.If you are a fan of grinding death metal that doesn't disapoint then be sure to pick this beast up when it is released. 

Melting Rot 

https://www.facebook.com/meltingrot/

https://www.instagram.com/meltingrot                                                                                                          Hells Headbangers 

https://www.hellsheadbangers.com/

https://melting-rot.bandcamp.com/album/infatuation-with-premeditation                                                  https://www.facebook.com/hellsheadbangers

https://www.instagram.com/hellsheadbangers

Ravenspell--Obsidian King (CD/LP) {2026 Fighter Records}

Ravenspell from Canada play decent heavy metal that borders on speed metal quite a bit of the time on their first full length. This band is at its best when playing fast, and they're much more interesting when they do so. Blastbeats even make an appearance at the end of the very first song "God the Chosen," and in a couple more places as accents on the record. The vocalist keeps his voice lower in tone, but it capable of higher-pitched screams. He can carry a melody, although I do wish his singing had a little bit more grit to it like his screams do, but he does fine in the style he's chosen. His melodies tend to be a little sing-songy at times, but it's not intolerable. It's almost like he's a thrash singer forcing himself to be a heavy metal singer. We do get a few guitar solos on the record, and when they do appear they're good, like in the track "Warriors 9 to 5." The recording itself is impeccable and very natural sounding, not over-digitized. Overall, this isn't a bad effort, but it has some flaws, and it's going to come down to taste whether you like it or not.

www.fighter-records.com

Barbaric Oath--Sword,Sorcery,Vengengeance Mcd&CS{Caligari Rec.}

 

Barbaric Oath is a duo who comes out of Germany's black death war metal scene and this is a review of the debut Mcd.Sword,Sorcery,Vengengeance is five tracks of  bestial.brutal blackend death metal that is played with intensisity and violent musicial passages.Both the guitars and drums are performed with a brutal assault.The vocals are raw raspy growls with some screams entertwined within a few of the songs.If you are a fan of well executed vicious black death war metal then you need to add this to your collection once it is released.                                                                                                                        Barbaric Oath                                                                                                                                                https://www.instagram.com/barbaricoath.dm                                                                                              Caligari Rec.                                                                                                                                                  http://www.caligarirecords.com/                                                                                                                  https://caligarirecords.bandcamp.com/album/sword-sorcery-vengeance                                                    https://www.facebook.com/CaligariRecords                                                                                              https://www.instagram.com/caligarirecords/

Gladium Regis--Quest (CD) {2026 Dusktone Records}

I never get sick of epic black metal, and that's exactly what Gladium Regis give us on Quest, their second full length. They use clean vocals in addition to black metal vocals, and the singing is clean and melodic much like ICS Vortex from Borknagar. There's quite a bit of influence from medieval music and dungeon synth here, and the band does indeed rely on synths quite heavily in all their songs. This one isn't as epic as I would like it to be, but it's definitely not bad, and it's quite unique. I can't think of any black metal band that sounds like this at all. Often the synths overpower the guitar, which I am not a fan of, unfortunately, as I much prefer metal to be driven by guitar exclusively. This is a bit hit and miss for me. I enjoy the clean vocals and the epic riffs, but I have a hard time with the extent the keys are used here, even though I have no problem with keyboard use. I just think it may be too skewed toward it. But in the end, this is a record unlike any other black metal release in your collection, so challenge yourself, and make sure you hear it!

dusktone.bandcamp.com

Sinistrous Mist--A Voice Through Constellations (CD) {2026 Independent}

Sinistrous Mist hails from Greece, and this is their first and only release so far. It's exactly what I needed. After listening to a bunch of death metal bands to review that sounded exactly the same, a palate cleanser was needed, and Sinistrous Mist provided exactly that with their brand of epic black metal. This is truly epic, with big, soaring, melodically morose riffs and bombastic yet tasteful keys driving the music's atmosphere. I especially love when the keys sound like a horn section during some parts. It's like the devil's army is marching off to war! The songs tend to be lengthier, most of them coming in around give to seven minutes, but their compositions are such that they can weather these longer runtimes without becoming a chore to listen to. In fact, they seem much shorter when listening to them. Majestic is the best word I can think of to describe their sound, and I'll be revisiting this album quite often in the future. It's a massive record.

sinistrousmist.bandcamp.com