DEAD METAL

Formed in 1989, Incantation has had an huge influence on the scene over the years. The New York band (now based in Pennsylvania) has never quite 'got its dues', though, perhaps because their output has been less accessible than that of many of their contemporaries. The Forsaken Mourning Of Angelic Anguish is still a long way from beginner death metal, but it is among their most immediate offerings. It is also one of their strongest - outstanding riffs aplenty, superb vocal performances, excellent production... The original mini-album (released on Relapse in 1997) only has six tracks, but reissues also feature four bonus tracks which complete the package very nicely. You can stream it (including the aforementioned bonus tracks) below, and buy it here .

27th MARCH Solothus - Realm of Ash and Blood   ( 20 Buck Spin ) Death-doomsters Solothus have been featured (and indeed interviewed) on this blog previously . Realm of Ash and Blood is the band's first release for 20 Buck Spin, and hopefully it will gain them more of the exposure they deserve. For fans of : Ataraxy, Spectral Voice, Rotting Kingdom 10th APRIL Curse - The Awakening​ ​And The Old ( Redefining Darkness ) Thrashy black metal from Sweden here. Curse originally formed in 2011, but following a demo and then a long break this is the first proper release from these guys. The Awakening​ ​And The Old is a highly enjoyable six-tracker. For fans of : Eucharist, Desultory, Kreator

Here we have the first release from a new Californian band. All three members have solid death metal credentials, and their first thirteen minutes of output certainly bodes well for the future. The artwork lures you in, and the music keeps you coming back for more. A highly impressive debut, particularly for a self-released demo. You can order a limited edition CD copy, or download it,  here. The four track EP can also be heard in its entirety below.

Tropical Sun is a horror-themed Italian death metal offering. As the above description (and indeed cover art) would suggest, it has some brutal dimensions going on; some grind and slam moments, even. ...but that is offset (highly effectively) by catchy riffs, melodic elements and movie samples. Early Cannibal Corpse would perhaps be the best point of reference, but these guys are very much doing their own thing. Fulchi is named after horror director/screenwriter/actor Lucio Fulci. This is the band's second album, brought to us by Time To Kill. You can preview it below, and pick up a copy  here .

Time for another dose of  dungeon synth . Cinematic stuff here, this is pretty much a dark ambient soundtrack. Horror-themed throughout, it is also laced with some very effective samples. The ominous, atmospheric thirty-one minute journey should be filed next to the  Catacombs Enshadowed album . There is little/no information about Wallachian Cobwebs online, but this is presumably the project's first output. It has only had a very limited cassette pressing so far, but you can download it  here . You can also listen to Hearken To The Moon Whisper below.

27th MARCH Subtype Zero - Ceremonious Extinction  (Seeing Red) These guys hail from Ohio, and have only been active for a couple of years; but they have been highly productive - this EP follows an album and several other releases besides. Thrash with hints of death metal. Very much flying the flag for Slayer. For fans of : Slayer, Sepultura,  Exodus 17th APRIL Venomous Skeleton - Drowning In Circles  (Everlasting Spew) This Israeli blackened death metal band released a demo/EP a few years back, but this is their first full-length. A very solid debut it is, too. If you are a fan of the cavernous and otherworldly end of the death metal spectrum then this is one for you. For fans of : Maveth, Embrace Of Thorns, Necros Christos

See here for an introduction to Worm. Main man Phantom Slaughter answered these questions. 1. Gloomlord is an incredible album, how has the response been so far? I really don't try to go out of my way to know what people think as I see my work as being done once I give the label the album and it is not my experience anymore, but quite a few people have been interested in interviewing the band this time around and that is something of a new experience for me. I think it is a natural growth, I have just been getting better at my craft I feel with every release so it is only right that it gets out to more people every time around. I know this album was a big deal for me because it was the first I recorded in an actual local studio instead of in my home rehearsal space called "The Swamp Crypt". I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and see what would come of it. Worm does not have any social media so I really do not have a direct link of communication with people i...

More Maggot Stomp excellence; and a full-length this time too. Authentic-sounding old school-style death metal as usual, from a six-year-old Portland three-piece. Echoes Of Terror is the band's first album, although it does follow several demos. Their debut carries strong hints of early Death , amongst other bands. As with all of the Maggot Stomp acts featured to date, however, this is by no means just a throwaway rehashing of the classics. These guys, along with their labelmates, are bringing a genuine freshness to this nostalgic sound. You can stream Echoes Of Terror below, and purchase it  here .