Downfall of Gaia-Atrophy (2016)

Clean production solely for the purpose of enhancing the musical experience, something that I personally rarely enjoy, maybe even only in the case of Black Metal. Anyway…it seems to me that if even one single note or drum beat were different the whole thing would fall together and fail completely for the listener. This is an album one does not merely listen to, one is just fascinated. Fascinated by the incredible precision, the atmosphere of this CD,  the guitars turn to a furious fusion with the drums and bass, the vocals....just really “imperial”, fabulous riffs I have ever endured in BM, accompanied by the drums, the songs flows from one riff to another, in perfect harmony with incredible musicianship, this is furious and very emotional....a ferocious outburst of musical fireworks and uncontrollable emotions. Higher up I mentioned that this CD clearly isn’t for everyone - in fact, I believe it can only be fully appreciated by the chosen few who can understand it. Its so complex and varying at times. I think it can only be loved by those who really feel extreme music in their veins. This is by no means a “light” album. So, I come to the conclusion that this CD is sheer genius, great overall atmosphere and musicianship, yet clearly not for all, I’d like to finish this review with first off saying that this album kicks fucking ass. “All mortals should respect bands like this, not make into a trend!”.
www.metalblade.com
downfallofgaia.com
Review by Paul Caravasi

King Diamond-The Spider Lullabye ( 2015-Remaster)

I have to say this is the most melodic release from King Diamond. But i guess the lack of recognition of this album is mainly due it not being a full concept album and the fact that the story itself is pretty straight forward and uncomplicated as opposed to his previous releases like Abigail and "Them". Still, I think the songs here are beautifully done well and the keyboards are utterly fantastic.
From The Other Side - You have no choice but to keep your ears glued to the speaker. If not for the solo, I'd have to say that the amazingly melodic and catchy chorus is the main highlight here.
Killer - Man, King's vocal harmony on that line is godly. Yes, that's the kind of vocal harmony that forces the listener to stay focused on the music and just simply be amazed.
The Poltergeist - This song just plain out rules you in everyway. And this song has the highlight of the entire album, which is during the lead break. What sounds like a squeaky door opening is actually the sound of the guitar, which fools you for a few seconds into thinking it's actually the sound of a squeaky door until it leads into the solo. Man, that is some killer stuff right there! Not something that occurs very often in music.
Dreams - Probably the weakest track on the album.
Moonlight - Another one of King's best song. His vocals on this one are constantly in falsetto form through out the entire song.
Six Feet Under - Yet, another catchy chorus that stays stuck on you.
The Spider's Lullaby - This is a very doom-ish tune in the vein of 70s Sabbath, mixed with eerie keyboard work and the insane laughs and vocals of the King. King really goes over the top in trying to sound insane with this one, what exactly does a spider sound like?? I don't know, but I do know that the guitar definatly sounds like one. You'll have to hear for yourself.
Eastmann's Cure - Another cool speed metal song , though a little more melodic and very soft in some places.
Room 17 - This song is much longer than it should be, over 8 minutes. I guess you can say it's pretty catchy at first but it's a little too long.
To The Morgue - Another doomy song,  a perfect album closer to a bone chilling tale....for those of you who are afraid of spiders.
This edition features a bonus disc with these demo versions: Moonlight, From the other side, The spider lullabye and Dreams. Remastered by Andy La Rocque !
www.metalblade.com
www.kingdiamondcoven.com
Review by Paul Caravasi

Cadaveric Poison- S/T (2016)

This is one of those records that you can listen to from beginning to end without any filler forced down your throat. The riffs are simply vicious and they are excessively developed within each track. The lyrics, while somewhat stock, really shine through in combination with the deep and throaty Paul Speckmann growls. The growls themselves are deliciously enjoyable, this album  stands out among many others that simply tried to imitate old sound bands. I really enjoy this CD for being one of the more aggressive Death/thrash Metal CD’s out there that never weakens or bends to any form of “commercial” idealism...yet still highly enjoyable. The production is dense.I say that this CD is GREAT. If you like the OLD school of classic death metal this is a CD you simply MUST own. Beers for these men!!! Now GO…BUY IT!!! On a closing note I also want to express my admiration of the demonically majestic cover art by Mark Riddick. Bravo Cadaveric Poison, Bravo!!
facebook.com/C.P.DeathMetal
metal-on-metal.com/bands/cadaveric-poison
Review by Paul Caravasi

Lord Almighty-Paths (2016)

One thing that stand out on this album is the rock-like style. Now this isn’t a bad thing , but it's a different sounding.The music could be described as having the characteristics of black metal, though the sound is very rock-like. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It is still black metal, and it’s sound unique, though it has elements of rock in the music.The guitars are fine. They have a unique sound and while nothing special, they suit this album. The vocals are done incredibly well – they have a cold feeling to them and it fits this album fantastically. Drums are good, although a little simplistic at times. There isn’t a constant blast of drums on this album, though considering the sound and tempo of the album, that’s a good thing, enjoy this album; just take it for what it is: an individual album.Overall, Paths is a fantastic album ,  vocals are harsh yet suiting, it has a fair play-time, mind-blowing.A highly recommended purchase.!
www.facebook.com/lordalmightymetal
www.facebook.com/clawhammerpr
lordalmighty.bandcamp.com/album/paths
Review by Paul Caravasi

Crator-The ones who create:The ones who Destroy (2016)

Progressive death metal music. Well, Necrophagist were considered the band that was unique in this genre ( i don't know why) and after the release of this record I believe Crator is not bad at all. This album takes enormous influences from both technical/progressive as well as neoclassical music and the result is complex,to any listeners - you must give this album several chances. Multi-layered guitar parts, odd-time signatures as well as searing shred guitar, this record is full of tricks. The drumming is absolutely perfect and not just mindless blast beats. This is admirable, extremely versatile and doesn't hesitate to slow things down to give the band some breathing space. The bass is very expressive and unlike 90% of death metal records, it's pretty persistent throughout the entire album. This is difficult to absorb. There are so many parts to each song - overlapping guitar pieces and bass interludes - which I can imagine are extremely difficult to play live. Secondly, there is a real emphasis on being as musical (not melodic!) as possible, and focused on being very fast or unpredictable. This is technical music whilst remaining elegant, symphonic, and actually listenable. expect that they continue to release highly musical and dexterous material. Well done!
www.facebook.com/cratorUS
Review by Paul Caravasi

Cropsy Maniac-Further Than Fear (2016)

This record is stunning. It is pure, unbridled cruelty channeled into metal. The production is grimy and haunting; the guitars roar like rusty chainsaws, the bass is vile and well chosen and the vocals are..... we will need a new paragraph to talk about the vocals. Upon listening to this debut album, there is no denying that the sheer subhuman brutality these vocals posses is staggering, and provides an invaluable aesthetic template for extreme metal. It is the riffing that stands out for me. Forget all the fretboard wankery you often hear in modern death metal: what we get here is pure, primitive savagery. There is absolutely no chugging, which is a great thing these days, when every other band seems to prefer to bore us senseless with endless breakdowns, rather than thrashing out like a real metal band should. The riffs, in-fact, have a real flavour of crust punk, as well as the more primitive of death metal bands. The fact that these influences can be so easily discerned is part of what I love about this band. I mean, a lot of new death metal bands can send me to sleep pretty quickly, but this album is barbaric and disgusting. These fkn maniacs create a terrifying symphony of unease and gore. Criminally overlooked and underrated, This album is a must hear for fans of Impetigo, Frightmare, Macabre and death metal and extreme music in general. No wimps allowed!!
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Review by Paul Caravasi

Nefarious-Demo Cassette (2016)

I discovered this band a month ago thanks to my friend Franco demoniaco who sent me this demo tape. I don’t know, maybe it’s something about the primordial sound or the guitar, but I love it. Listening it on cassette is pure orgasm for a person like me who worships anything in this genre. They take influences mostly from mighty Venom, Possessed with that Slayer component, essential in giving the thrash metal impact and songwriting. The production is really underground, with that “basement attitude and style” that is great to give this demo a more rare and characteristic touch. The main work is done by the restless guitar, that along the whole demo tape. The riffage is fast, compact and the drums are constantly on raw up tempo. I can only imagine these songs in a live gig…what a massacre! The solos are fast with high pitched whistles and sudden tremolo picking. The vocals are Venom style with a rough tonality that sometimes goes through heavier tones and passages. The traditional metal influences in the guitars and the Venom patterns are so evident. On the other hand, we can find totally worshipping Hellhammer influences as well. All in all, a great debut made of raw but catchy songs with lots influences; showing levels of malevolence that the band will be able to reach again in the future. Brutal as fuck !!
www.facebook.com/NEFARIOUSDEATH
Review by Paul Caravasi