DEAD METAL

If you don't already know Graceless, then see here first. This interview is with Jasper Aptroot, who plays bass for the band. 1. Shadowlands (2017) is an outstanding album, how has the response been to that? The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Everything that has happened since the release has exceeded our expectations and we are very grateful for all the support we have received. 2. You've announced that you will be releasing a new album this year, what can we expect from it (as compared to your debut, or in general)? We really love the Dutch death metal sound and we will always stay true to these roots. The new album is going to be a logical next step following Shadowlands. If you liked our first album then I'm confident you will not be disappointed with the second release. 3. It’s a clichéd question, but who are your main influences (if indeed you feel you have influences)? We play ourselves but most of all we are fans of extreme metal. There...

For an introduction to None, see here . The band's first two full-lengths were released on 11th April (of both 2017 and 2018), and number three is arriving like clockwork. As with its predecessors, this is a haunting slab of atmospheric depressive black metal. Accessible would be the wrong word, but it certainly is captivating. Prepare to be transported to a land of contrast - cold and warmth, space and suffocation, sadness and catharsis, beauty and pain. None navigate (and indeed balance) those extremes very well, producing albums which keep on calling you back for more. These guys stand head and shoulders above most of their contemporaries, and deserve a lot more attention. Damp Chill Of Life can be pre-ordered, from Hypnotic Dirge Records,  here . The title track can be streamed below, or via the link above.

25 albums, from 25 bands that haven't been featured before. Delirium ( Netherlands ) - Zzooouhh ( Prophecy, 1990 ): Cerebral Fix ( UK ) - Tower Of Spite ( Roadracer, 1990 ): Desecrator ( UK ) - Subconscious Release ( R.K.T, 1990 ): Therion ( Sweden ) - Of Darkness ( Deaf, 1991 ): Morgoth ( Germany ) - Cursed ( Century Media, 1991 ): Immortalis ( Germany ) - Indicium De Mortuis ( Morbid, 1991 ): Sadus ( US ) - A Vision Of Misery ( Roadracer, 1992 ): Cianide ( US ) - The Dying Truth ( Grind Core, 1992 ): Cemetary ( Sweden ) - An Evil Shade Of Grey ( Black Mark, 1992 ): Polluted Inheritance ( Netherlands ) - Ecocide (W est Virginia, 1992 ): Sentenced ( Finland ) - Shadows Of The Past ( Thrash, 1992 ): Solstice ( US ) - Solstice ( Century Media, 1992 ): Brutality ( US ) - Screams Of Anguish ( Nuclear Blast, 1993 ): Killing Addiction ( US ) - Omega Factor ( JL America, 1993 ): Decompos...

A mysterious one man band from Israel here. Spread My Ashes is the project's first full-length, brought to us by Redefining Darkness. It's a short album - seven tracks, clocking in at under thirty minutes. There's nothing wrong with being concise, though. Zohamah is a word from the Kabbalah that apparently translates to 'darkness' or 'pollution', which is certainly apt. The release is probably best-described as atmospheric, depressive sludgy blackened death-doom. An interesting offering, from a somewhat unusual part of the world for such music. You can hear this impressive debut below, and buy it here .

FaithXtractor is a death metal band from Ohio. Here we have their debut full-length, originally released by Aphotic Records in 2007. Morbid Records went on to reissue it on cassette in 2017; then 2018 saw a CD reissue from Reaper/Redefining Darkness, and a vinyl pressing from Reaper/Redefining Darkness/Austenitized. The CD features four bonus tracks - the band's contributions to a 2007 split with Crucified Mortals on Hells Headbangers. Thrashy death metal with hints of Deicide  and  Monstrosity , amongst others. Also one for fans of the first  Macabra  album. Catchy riffs, excellent lead guitar work, strong vocals... it's a highly enjoyable listen. You can preview Razing The World Of Myth below, and buy it here .

Behemoth are the kings of blackened death metal. They hail from Gdańsk in Poland, and as the name of this album would suggest they have a strong Satanic theme. Despite having been active since 1991, their crown only really came to them with the release of their tenth full-length. Brought to us by Nuclear Blast in 2014, it was recorded following singer and guitarist Nergal's successful battle with cancer. His struggles doubtless helped to make the album as powerful as it is, and indeed to gain it the audience it deserved. It's a very solid record as a whole, but a few of the best tracks can be streamed below. If you like what you hear, you can acquire a copy  here .

Cannibal Corpse is the top-selling death metal band of all time. They formed in Buffalo, in 1988; later moving to Tampa; and over thirty years (and fourteen studio albums) later they are still a force to be reckoned with. A political attack from Senator Bob Dole, and a guest appearance in Ace Ventura Pet Detective, helped them to gain their popularity; along with their gruesome cover art. But here are three reasons why they really are worthy of your attention/three 'ways in' if you are yet to become a fan: 1. They're an incredible live band. Live Cannibalism  (2000) is a good demonstration of this, but there's no substitute for experiencing it in person. 2. However you feel about the music, their documentaries are pure gold;  Centuries Of Torment (2008) and Global Evisceration (2011) in particular. 3. In amongst all of the extreme brutality they have produced some songs which any death metal fan should love, nine examples of which can be found below (al...