Charging Forth – Hoisting the metal standard defiantly towards the heavens
(yet another installment in the Abrasive Audio series)

Mortal Scepter – Where Light Suffocates
(France)
Release – January/22/2019
Xtreem Music
https://xtreemmusic.bandcamp.com/album/where-light-suffocates

Artwork – 8.5
Something lurks under the water, it’s hungry, and this Artwork is stunning.
First Track – 8.5
Brisk and oozing with appreciated influence. If this doesn’t carve a smirk on the chops of any vintage Sodom or Kreator fan, I don’t know what to say.
Initial Listen – 9
Fast, ripping and dripping with old school evil influence. Infectious riffs played at light speed and rhythms which will damn near tear the head from its fleshy anchor. All that’s missing is a cover of ‘Under the Guillotine’. This is the first I’ve heard of Mortal Scepter but something tells me it most certainly won’t be the last!
My favorite album of the year so far, by far!
Recommended for fans of vintage Sepultura, Kreator and Whipstriker.
It’s hard to comprehend this is their debut!
Favorite Tracks; Where Light Suffocates, Murder the Dawn, The Carpathian Castle, Swallow Your Tongue and the epic The Scepter Reigns.
Tytus – Rain After Drought
(Italy)
Release – January/8/2019
Fighter Records
www.fighter-records.bandcamp.com

Artwork – 6.5
Ominous tones and an image drenched in themes of karma, a god like retribution of sorts about to unleashed.
First Track – 7.5
Gravely vocals complement galloping riffs showcasing passages which are dynamic and get the blood pumping. Speed/heavy metal with arena venue values which is certainly intriguing, especially notable as I rarely frequent this genre.
Initial Listen – 7.5
With influences which’ll make any long-time fan reminisce upon the golden era of metal Tytus have created an album which is exciting, fluid and at times diverse (‘Rain After Drought pt. 2’ is a good example) in its approach.
Fans of vintage Anthrax, Iron Maiden, Halloween, the NWOBHM scene and earlier power/speed metal standouts rejoice for this release delivers, inciting movement and interest in a scene which somewhat of late has found an appreciated resurgence.
Favorite Tracks; Disobey, The Dark Wave, Rain After Drought (pt 1), Move on Over and A Desolate Shell of a Man.
Blood Feast – Chopped, Sliced and Diced
(a reworking of “classics”)
(USA)
Release – December/21/2018
Hell’s Headbangers
https://blood-feast.bandcamp.com/album/chopped-sliced-and-diced

Artwork – 8
This ghoul is out for bloodletting and he’s eaten his ‘wheaties’ so watch out!
First Track – 9
Incendiary rhythms and a drum beat that grabs you by the short n’ curlies.
An amazing start, I’m sweating already!
Initial Listen – 8.5
Somewhere bands lose it with age (no names) Blood Feast however have only seemed to become more energetic and tighter. Showcasing a style that makes me think fondly upon vintage Slayer mixed with DRI. This is a reworking of classics with enough gusto to make the listener impatient for new material and leave them searching frantically for releases which are probably somewhat difficult to locate (and to think I had the original ‘Chopping Block Blues’ on cassette many moons ago).
Favorite Tracks; Concubine, Chopping Block Blues.
Maestus – Deliquesce
(USA)
Release – February/8/2019
Code666 Recordings
http://maestus.bandcamp.com

Artwork – 7.5
Awash in a bleak and desolate nature this image depicts the many furrows and peaks of a mountain range akin to the turbulent nature of the ups and downs of a depressive nature, the Hills and valleys of grief, loss and hopelessness.
First Track – 9
Cinematic in its scope ‘Deliquesce’ drowns the listener in all manner of emotion with the excellent utilization of symphonics, melody, a turbulent unpredictable pace and shifting brutality. A stunning opener that’s effective in holding the listener in thrall till it’s final note.
Initial Listen – 8.5
Four tracks running fifty minutes could only mean one of a couple of things. Either, lots of dead air, meandering experimentalism, or an album draped in doom sensibilities. Thankfully, this is of the former variety.
Frolicking across many genres ‘Deliquesce’ dips into funeral waters as well black depths to effectively invoke emotion, with influence that’s varied, including Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride and Novembers Doom. Balancing beauty and brutality exquisitely Maestus effectively whisk its audience across a bleak sonic landscape devoid of light. An excursion best taken in its entirety, undisturbed, for full effect. A fantastic audio experience that’s sure to spark interest. Keep an eye on these guys!
Favorite Tracks; Deliquesce, The Impotence of Hope and The Knell of Solemnity.
In the Fire – Volatile Beings
(USA)
Release-February/15/2019
Horror, Pain, Gore Death Productions
https://hpgd.bandcamp.com/album/volatile-beings

Artwork – 7.5
A skull, serpents and fire (…fire, fire!) What else do you need?
Seriously.
First Track – 8
Influences abound. I’m detecting Cradle of Filth (vocal wise) and a myriad of speed metal influences as too thrash and traditional heavy metal. An interesting mix which bursts with energy, melody, mystery and vintage occult leanings (ala King Diamond/Mercyful Fate) and makes for an intriguing listen and only makes me more curious still as to the direction this album will take.
Initial Listen – 7.5
Hardly an album one could place in one category, and be pleased with their decision, this is an album oozing with a plethora of styles and perhaps a few many might imagine would not play well together until, that is, they give this a listen. That’s not to say this is wildly experimental, not in the slightest in fact, it’s just that as it plays out it isn’t quite what one might expect but is wholly, wildly, consumable. Melodic and soaring with rhythm, associated more to a genre one would imagine HPGD would not normally step foot into, ‘Volatile Beings’ is an album which might throw the listener for a loop (especially when one does research into the bands ‘construction’) perhaps the title is hint alone at a source of one of its influences (Dokken)? Nevertheless, give this a peek and marvel at the rich, diverse, audio tapestry it offers.
Favorite Tracks; Feral, Into Battle and Inside Out.
Festerday – iihtallan
(Finland)
Release – January/4/2019
Season of Mist Records/Underground Activists
https://festerday.bandcamp.com/album/lihtallan

Artwork – 6
Is the Earth covered in filth about to be consumed by something wholly incomprehensible in its deviant nature?
Perhaps, but isn’t this just another day of normalcy?
First Track- 7.5
Carnage meets a grindcore vibe with sickening vox and groove to spare.
Carry on… I’m curious.
Initial Listen – 7
The influence radius is wide and undeniable. Bulldozer riffs accompanied by a Stockholm vibe with track titles a fan of vintage Cannibal Corpse would appreciate. But, let’s not forget about the groove amidst all the old school homage.
Recommended for fans of Vomitory, Bolt Thrower, Prostitute Disfigurement, Grave and mid era Carcass.
Favorite Tracks; Control Not Your Soul, Vomiting Pestilence, Flowers of Bones and Gravelove.
Archangel AD – Warband
(USA)
Release – January/11/2019
Self-Released
https://archangelad.bandcamp.com/album/warband

Artwork – 7
Raw, primitive yet this undeniably shines with old school appeal. The Four Horsemen in BnW complete with banners and skulls.
First Track – 8.5
Blistering and aggressive, riff laden, old school thrash. Think Vintage Exodus mixed with ‘Kill em All’ era Metallica. A fantastic way to get those hooks in, my ears are thanking me!!
Initial Listen – 8.5
These guys have done their homework. Complete with ‘Kill em All’ production values ‘Warband’ drags the listener on a wild excursion to old school thrashville (influence is plentiful including the obvious and Overkill, among others) a landscape dotted with applaudable lyrical content, riffs aplenty and vocals which scream metal! Shit, there’s even a nod to the almighty Candlemass with the track ‘Evil Dreams’.
A great audio experience to start the year!!
Bang yer’ head and break out the denim.
Favorite Tracks; Unto the Evil, Warband, Evil Dreams and Metal Hordes.
Chainbreaker – Lethal Desire
(Canada)
Release – February/15/2019
Hell’s Headbangers
https://chainbreaker-canada.bandcamp.com/album/lethal-desire

Artwork – 7.5
A helmeted champion, skulls and chains. I’m getting a Manowar vibe here with possible aggressive speed/thrash metal undertones.
Only a listen will tell for sure.
First Track – 8.5
I only know of a few tracks which commence with a nuclear blast. Megadeth’s ‘I don’t Wanna Set the World on Fire’ and this. And, I’m glad to report, both are rather memorable. ‘Atomica’ sears it’s way into your brain.
“You’re gonna die in the fire!”.
Initial Listen – 8.5
Bearing vintage Venom-esque raw, electrified, adrenaline production values and a vibe that’s part (fun) Exodus, part filthy rock n roll and all late 80’s speed metal this album never lets up. ‘Constant Graving’ and ‘Born Loud’ add a spat of diversity to the album and bear more a Celtic Frost, Stockholm Buzzsaw sounding attack.
Overall, if this album doesn’t put a smile on yet metal lovin’ chops, get you moving or add to your nights drinking and revelry experience I’m at a loss for words. Frankly, this tossed me back to a time when metal was loud, rude, crude but mostly riotous in the best possible, naturally.
Favorite Tracks; Leatherized, Atomica, Postmortem Dreams and Born Loud.
Hollow Leg – Civilizations
(USA)
Release – January/25/2019
Argonauta Records
https://hollowleg666.bandcamp.com/music

Artwork – 6
Grandad, did you know your face is on a Mayan calendar?
– Surely you jest?
Nope, it’s there. And it looks like you’re eating your way out of a television.
– That’s odd!
First Track – 7.5
A mammoth track vomits this album from out of the starting gate, albeit it at a pace of its own terms. A slight middle Eastern vibe, perhaps to throw the listener off? But it doesn’t last long. Groove is soon at the top of the menu aided and abetted by distortion, a smidgen of progressive nature and riffs carrying enough weight to make any subwoofer tap out in exhaustion. Surprisingly the concoction is a pleasure to have bounce betwix the ears, it’s oddly soothingly in fact especially on account of the gravelly vocals accompanying the tracks rhythm.
Initial Listen – 8
Often monstrous in its bludgeoning, though fluid riff approach, Hollow Leg gives the listener a glimpse into its ‘softer’ side, drenched in progressive elements, albeit briefly to cleanse the palette, displaying their diversity and willingness to switch things up and adapt (if need be). Other tracks showcase a myriad of styles woven together to great effect whereas the bread and butter of Hollow Leg remains the stoner, sludge approach which, by itself, is enough to sate any yearnings for mammoth groove basted riff consumption.
Prepare to lose yourself in a winding, often tempestuous, river of meandering melody.
Favorite Tracks; Litmus, Black Moon, Chimera and Hunter and the Hunted.
Mo’ynoq – Dreaming in a Dead Language
(USA)
Release – January /11/2019
Independent
Self-Released
https://moynoq.bandcamp.com/album/dreaming-in-a-dead-language

Artwork – 7
Intriguing, artistic and full of enigmatic detail and depth. This has my attention!
First Track – 7
Straight outta the gate these guys go for an explosive assault. Suffocating, blistering and chaotic, there’s no doubt this is going to be one helluva’ dark ride draped in mysticism and occult values.
Initial Listen – 7.5
Blending progressive, death, doom and traditional black metal elements Mo’ynoq have created an album which demands several listens to fully comprehend though kidnaps the attention from the very first. An audio collective which boasts surprisingly melody, majestic heights and cavernous lows. Intricately harrowing rhythms invoke dread and paranoia and are complemented by a vocal attack that’s varied, abrasive and at times even oddly haunting.
Go into this with an open mind and you’ll enjoy the experience.
Favorite Tracks; The Collector, Carve my Name and Witness to the Abyss.
Arsis – Visitant
(USA)
Release – November/2/2018
Nuclear Blast Records
https://www.arsisofficial.com/

Artwork – 7.5
Typically Arsis in tone. Skulls and cobwebs draped in a Gothic vibe. I’m only left wondering what one is whispering to the other, perhaps a joke to tickle the ivory, or a query as to how it is another has managed to crash their intimate surroundings.
First Track – 9
Furious, frenetic, tight and melodic. Arsis are back! And it’s about time as many have been patiently wondering. A fantastic introduction to the newest addition to their already impressive discography. (There’s an awesome B movie splatterific video that accompanies this track, ‘Tricking the Gods’, for all those interested, and I have no idea why one wouldn’t be!)
Initial Listen – 9
Technical, intricate and… a breath of fresh air. I honestly don’t know how Arsis do it as this isn’t ground-breaking audio. It is, however, excellent in its composition, flow and execution, and makes me reflect upon the brilliance of vintage Arch Enemy material and certain Black Dahlia Murder tracks.
Top notch from its opening riff to its last I’m kicking myself as to why it was that I hadn’t jumped on this sooner. Thank the Dark Lord for end of year lists, otherwise I might have missed this. Oh, the horror!
If you have yet to discover this act, do so at your earliest convenience!
Favorite Tracks; Hellsworn, As Deep as Your Flesh, Funereal Might, Easy Prey and His Eyes.
Cancer – Shadow Gripped
(UK)
Release – November/2/2018
Peaceville Records
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlCFUD-b7wI

Artwork – 5
If I wasn’t already familiar with the band and their legacy I would’ve probably passed this by based on its somewhat generic artwork. Although, I do understand one should never judge a book by its cover. Perhaps this is a case when a simple approach would’ve worked more effectively. I’m of the belief that a large, bold, logo (ala’ Master) would’ve worked better.
First Track – 6.5
Mid-tempo thrash/death which puts me in mind of a similar band, Benediction, from around the same era, arena and geographic area.
Initial Listen – 7
It’s been a while since fresh Cancer audio has graced the ears, so I was more than excited to dive into all this offered.
‘Shadow Gripped’ succeeds in sparking nostalgia though unfortunately doesn’t quite offer that which is needed to elevate it above the myriad of other releases in the same genre. With that in mind, however, it does have its moments, a handful of rhythms which will bounce the head back n’ forth ferociously and a well-executed delicate doom/thrash/death balance. But not nearly enough to pluck this from the grasp of eager, patient, long-time fans into that of its placement upon end of year lists.
I’m intrigued as to how this will be received by the metal community at large. Perhaps I was expecting more, and I’ve been too hasty to judge based on the bands previews efforts.
Favorite Tracks; Garrote, Organ Snatcher, The Infocidal, Though Shalt Kill and Shadow Gripped.
As always feel free to tell me your thoughts, leave a comment or a suggestion. I’m all ears!
Cult