Review: Entrench – Violent Procreation (War Anthem 2014 LP)

 Well, we're two months into 2015, but before I'll see what the new year has to offer, I still have some reviews of the last years' releases left to write. One of them is the second album by Sweden's finest death/thrash-suppliers Entrench. Their first album was impressive, but kind of left you with a feeling that they had even more to give. That is a fact that's immediately confirmed as soon as One With Agony kicks off. The aggression and violence has simply been taken to a whole new level this time.

 When the first shock starts to settle and you're actually able to focus on the music, it's clear that this is an album that will take a while to get into. Once you've done so you realize how ambitious and worked through the songs actually are. Don't expect to be instantly knocked out by any simple and basic song-writing, this is some super worked through and complex thrash. The total amount of riffs on this record is probably not that far away from Dark Angel's Time Does Not Heal. Taking a closer look at the lyrics also confirmes that they are written with just as much consideration as the rest of the music.

 The only complaint I can think of is that it's a bit long and hard to get into. That could still be seen as something positive though, I haven't yet listened to it one single time without discovering something new that I like. So if you give it the time it needs, the reward is arguably the best thrash-album of 2014. 8/10 /H

New King Malice-tracks.

Two new songs from the upcoming second King Malice-tape are now available for streaming at their soundcloud-page.


The new tape will be out on Lockyard Records later this spring.

Review: Convent Guilt – Guns For Hire (Dying Victims 2014 MC)

 I remember being absolutely blown away by the fantastic demo these guys released back in 2012, still one of the most raw, catchy and brilliant heavy metal tapes that have crossed my way the last couple of years. Now the time has come for them to unleash their first album, and as you can tell by the lines written above, the expectations are great. I went for the tape-version, since the format suited their last release so fine.

 The impression is that it's more polished this time, although the band is definitely still recognizable. I was a bit prepared that it wasn't going to match the demo, since I basically consider all of its four tracks modern classics. For example, Don't Close Your Eyes is a well written mid paced rocker, but compared to the majestic No Dawn In Lucifer's Light from the demo, it just doesn't stand a chance. But despite that, this album is far away from a failure. Songs like Angels in Black Leather, Perverse Altar and the title-track gives you everything you could ask for.

 Convent Guilt delivers a simple, yet efficient album, recalling the likes of Riot and Saxon in the early 80's and, or more recent bands like Black Trip, with some hints of punk, and the spirit of the OZ-gods AC/DC and Rose Tattoo. So, even though the demo remains their finest work to this date, this is still a great album that deserves everyone's attention. 7,5/10 /H

偏執症者 (Paranoid) - Punk is love (Pisschrist cover)

Review: Chalice – s/t (War On All Fronts 2014 MC)

The Irish fanzine War On All Fronts have expanded into a label, and their first release is this debut EP of Chalice, hailing from Montpelier, Vermont. Musically, I'd describe this as heavy metal with doom and folk influences. A more heavy metal-, rather than rock-oriented Blood Ceremony is a good comparison. Parts of the first Witchcraft(Swe)-album another, especially the last song "Her Sisters They Were Weak" has got a medieval atmosphere that's very reminiscent to the one of Chalice.

The closing Raise Your Chalice draws way more towards traditional power/speed metal than the rest, indicating that this is a very multi-talented band capable of achieving high quality stuff regardless of metallic sub-genre. Classic female-fronted bands like Chastain comes to mind. An incredibly epic and powerful song, I'd love to see them develop more in that direction, still keeping some fragments of their present folk-inspired sound though. A very promising EP, it'll be interesting to see what the future holds for this band. 7/10 /H



Review: Children Of Technology – Future Decay (Ripping Storm 2014 LP)

From one bunch of Italian metalpunx to another, Children Of Technology have returned with a 27-minute assault that crushes most in its way. Capturing the very essence of both genres, this is an album that shouldn't pass anyone by. I constantly get reminded of stuff like early Motörhead, Metallica and Voivod.

 It's hard to find anything to complain about really, I might seem a bit overenthusiastic about this. Of course you can always go with the old usual “not bringing anything new”-shit, but it even feels a bit original as well, much because of the Italian accent of the vocals. This turned out to be quite a short review, but don't really feel any the need to write anything more. Get this shit! 8/10 /H

Review: HI-GH – Till Death And After (Metal On Metal 2014 CD)

 HI-GH is a speed metal/punk hybrid from Italy, and this is their second album. These guys just won't stop throwing solely high paced compositions aimed at your face, of which some hits, and some misses. Something that's good throughout is the musical performance, which is constantly very tight with riffs and solos sounding very well written. Thankfully they don't fall into the technical excessiveness of modern thrash metal either, everything is kept old school, but with a fresh production.

 What brings it all down a bit are the lyrics. Some might find them perfect, but I just don't get along with them at all. Sure, there are definitely those who are able to pull the whole sex, drugs & rock n' roll approach off, but it's a thin line between geniality and ridiculousness. Unfortunately, HI-GH are on the wrong side of it way to often. The right instinctive feeling is simply crucial, and when it's not there, it just gets kind of annoying.

 With some lyrical improvements though, preferably drawing more towards satan, war and insanity (or whatever), this is a band that has got some serious potential. Really hope they get it right on the next album. 6.5/10 /H