Grave Ritual – Morbid Throne [US, Death] (2015)

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Dark Descent | 10-30-15

Dark Descent | 10-30-15

So in the the mid 90’s this band from Alabam was known as Metahole Infection and played a particulary splatteryly variety odf death metal. It should be noted that the music from MEtahole Infection and Grave Ritual is not that different aside from some new atmopshere, slower tempo and perhaps a new drummer. What is important to realize is that framing and presentation can make a world of difference as Grave Ritual’s dedication to less bloody and more forbodding themes puts their music on the right track for success.

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Blood Incantation – Interdimensional Extinction [US, Death] (2015)

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Dark Descent | 9-3-15

Dark Descent | 9-3-15

Oh cool, another space based black metal that fits along side of…wait….death metal? ARE THOSE FUCKING SKULLS FLOATING AROUND SATURN? Blood Incarnation comes via Dark Descent whose label and short history is more than enough to vouch for this Colorado three piece. Death metal has been exciting in the past 10 years and Interdimensional Extinction expands on the styles diversity at least in terms of atmosphere and thematics.

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Crypt Sermon – Out of the Garden [US, Doom] (2015)

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Dark Descent Records | 2-24-15

Dark Descent Records | 2-24-15

This is perhaps the easiest review I have done in recently memory. This isn’t even due to Crypt Sermon being more than decent. The reason Crypt Sermon and their debut Out of the Garden is so easy to write about is due to not only its loyalty to a retro style but also the band’s dedication to Christian imagery. There is also the kick ass album cover. Let us not forget. Regardless of anything that can be said about the band, it is important to note how effective and decent their debut is. If you have forgotten what being embraced int he warm arms of traditional doom feels like let Crypt Sermon be your shepherd.

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Desolate Shrine – The Heart of the Netherworld [Finland, Death] (2015)

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Dark Descent Records | 1-13-15

Dark Descent Records | 1-13-15

It takes a large album to have a 4 minute introduction. One must have an enormous sound to justify near 5 minutes of preamble. Despite Desolate Shrine existing for a few years, this Finnish project is swooping into 2015 on the wings of much anticipation and hype. Perhaps it is becasue of the growing appreciation for newer death metal or the fact that Desolate Shrine is a one man act aided by additional vocalists. Perhaps it is becasue the cover for the project’s third release The Heart of the Netherworld looks really cool. Maybe it is becasue of the really long intro. Regardless of any explanation, Desolate Shrine is a storm which is looming on the horizon of 2015.

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Begrime Exemious – Primeval Satellite [Canada, Black/Death] (2014)

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Dark Descent Records | 8-31-14

Dark Descent Records | 8-31-14

Yes. Yes. Yes? Yes! Let us get something perfectly clear. Metal comes in many varieties from the very dense and intellectual to the straight emotional and explosive. While I am sure Primeval Satellite has its heady qualities, this new EP from Canada has similar qualities to a case of beer sitting in a bath of ice in a hotel tub. Things are about to go down and none of it is going to pretty in the morning. Oh what is that? Whiskey? Put it right into my beer.

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Thantifaxath – Sacred White Noise [Canada, Black] (2014)

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Dark Descent | 4-15-14

Dark Descent | 4-15-14

Adding to the very long line of bands with zero information comes the Canadian enigma Thantifaxath. Aside from a near unpronounceable name, the band has made a conscious effort to keep all information regarding identity, contact, or general inquiry at a minimum. The band members wear hoods on stage, may or may not be apart of another slightly well known metal band, and are probably never available for interviews. I would have gotten long tired of these antics if it were not for the fact that sometimes a lack of information allows records to be independent of connections. All of a sudden there appears this amazing black metal record which rips and scars the earth with smoldering ash.

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Gravehill – Death Curse [US, Death / Thrash / Black] (2014)

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Dark Descent Records | 4-1-14

Dark Descent Records | 4-1-14

Despite Gravehill’s rotting exterior, the band seems to be made up of musicians who are having a blast doing exactly what they are doing. This attitude adds to a fun atmosphere when a band seems be laughing louder than the screams of its audience. From sunny California comes Gravehill, bastard metal who seem to have no primary loyalty aside from playing as fast and menacing as possible. It is the sound of evil and it rips like a motorcycle engine.

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