DEAD METAL

All from European bands... Rippikoulu ( Finland ) - Musta Seremonia ( self-released, 1993 ): Catacomb  ( France ) -  In The Maze Of Kadath  ( Phonoprodukt Management/Downed Productions, 1993 ): Exoto   ( Belgium ) - Carnival Of Souls ( Tessa, 1994 ): Betrayer  ( Poland ) -  Calamity  ( Morbid Noizz, 1994 ):

Phrenelith is a death metal band from Denmark. They formed in 2013, and are still active, but this is their only full-length so far. Released on Dark Descent/Me Saco Un Ojo/Extremely Rotten in 2017, it's a crushing, claustrophobic, doom-laden experience. Packed with great riffs, and consistent from beginning to end, it is a powerful debut. You can download it here , or pick up a physical copy here . The album's title track can also be previewed below.

Don't let the name put you off, this is really good stuff. California isn't the first place that springs to mind when you think of dungeon synth, but that is the origin of this project nonetheless. The solo artist describes his music as 'medieval ambient'; and his work is recommended even if you wouldn't normally be allured by the 'medieval' part. It does a great job of transporting you somewhere else - "through the embers of fading empires, mighty fortresses whose towers and iron gates pierce the sky, and desolate northern landscapes". You can download the full digital discography (three EPs/twelve tracks, recorded 2016-17) for a very reasonable price on Bandcamp . This material has only been released physically on limited edition cassettes. You can also listen to a choice EP in its entirety below.

The most recent Temple Nightside full-length was featured here . The offering which preceded that (also released by Iron Bonehead, in 2016) is The Hecatomb. It is quite possibly the Australian band's finest work to date; and that isn't to say that 2018's Recondemnation isn't also great. 'Cavernous' is a word that gets thrown around a lot these days, but it most definitely applies here. Blackened death-doom; with haunting spectral vocals that are really quite original. The Nekronikon artwork tops off the package very nicely, too. You can stream the album below, and buy it here .

Eviternity (Flowing Downward, 2018) is the one-and-only release from Kosmogyr. This is an international collaboration, between someone in Prague and someone in Shanghai. Contemporary black metal with second wave stylings, depressive leanings and captivating melodic parts. The vocals are also particularly noteworthy - they manage to convey real anguish; powerful stuff. You can download it (currently for free)  here ; and the limited edition CD is available here . The album can also be heard in its entirety below.

These guys split up earlier this year, which is a real shame. A good entry point to their discography is 2009's self-titled offering. This Candlelight release is perhaps the Texan band's most accessible/immediate. The fifth of six full-lengths, it was also the first of an intended trilogy (the subject of which being magick and occultism). It is thrashy black metal, with melodic death metal leanings and some captivating progressive elements. Catchy, technical riffing aplenty; it is a highly enjoyable listen from start to finish. A choice track can be previewed below, and you can acquire a copy  here . P.S. A couple of other albums that are particularly recommended -  B.V.I.T.R.I.O.L. (1993) and  The Sun Of Tiphareth (1995).

See here for an introduction to Morbid Angel. Gateways To Annihilation was the band's sixth studio full-length; and the second to feature Steve Tucker on vocals. Released on Earache in 2000, it is absolutely a highlight of their discography. That isn't so say that it's a strong effort from beginning to end, but its highlights certainly justify the price of admission. It also features more doom-laden material than any other Morbid Angel offering, which is a definite selling point. Stand-out tracks include Summoning Redemption, and the incredible At One With Nothing. You can listen to the album below, and purchase a copy here .

A number of other posts about Deicide can be found here . Released on Roadrunner in 1997, the fourth full-length is a consistently strong offering. It very much follows in the the footsteps of its predecessor (Once Upon The Cross), and there isn't a bad track on it. Catchy riffs, excellent drumming, powerful vocals, great leads... this is truly memorable material; outstanding stuff. The production is also a selling a point, which should come as no surprise with Scott Burns on the buttons. Serpents Of The Light absolutely deserves to be counted among the band's early classics. You can stream the title track below, and pick up a copy here .

An introduction to Beast Of Revelation can be found here . Drummer Bob Bagchus (formerly of Asphyx) answered these questions. 1. The Ancient Ritual Of Death is an exceptional album, you must be very pleased with it? Thanks for the kind words. Yes, we are very pleased with the way it came out. It sounds exactly the way we wanted it to be - heavy, doomy and dark. 2. How did Beast of Revelation form? A.J. ( van Drenth - guitars, bass, backing vocals ) asked me a few years ago if I was interested in doing a doom project with him since we already did the doom/black metal project Throne in 1995.  He sent me some riffs and I loved them instantly so we started from there. Since we also needed a vocalist A.J. asked John from Incantation who said he would love to be part of the Beast. We recorded the album with the three of us; and Eric Daniels and Robbie Woning did some great guest solos. 3. What were your main musical influences when starting the project? Old Cathedral, old Pa

Here we have a new project featuring John McEntee of Incantation  on vocals. The other two members are formerly of classic Dutch death metal band Asphyx. Their first album, and indeed release, is an absolute killer. A highly underrated offering. Brought to us by Iron Bonehead, The Ancient Ritual Of Death is a premium slab of death-doom. It could well be McEntee's best vocal performance to date; the songwriting is straightforward-but-powerful; the production is excellent... Ignore the critics, and get on board the Beast Of Revelation train today. This debut can be heard in full below, and purchased here .