Release Round Up - March 12th, 2021
Every Friday there is a tidal wave of new music released unto the world. Whilst we try to cover as much as possible here at The Razor's Edge, it's not always possible to review everything. So each week on a Friday we'll round up some of the best new music available, some we've reviewed, some we haven't, but all worth checking out!
Theres a lot of new heavy music hitting the airwaves this week, everything from black metal, death metal, gothic metal, Stoner rock, doom, thrash metal and even some of your traditional heavy fuckin' metal!
Here's what we think you should check out today!
Has Rob Zombie reached legendary status in the heavy metal world yet? If not he can't be far off that status and today releases 'The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy', another recording to add to the legacy.
Once again he pushes the envelope of the conventional, as he always has, melding elements of 60's psychedlia and some solid blues rock licks into his usual style. Proving once again he is unstaoppable.
Watch the video for 'The Eternal Struggles of The Howling Man' below.
For a dose of post-hardcore action then look no further than Pupil Slicer and their new album 'Mirrors', which is out today on Prosthetic Records.
"It is a frenzy of dissonant guitar work, polyrhythmic drums and fuzzed-up bass; think Converge or Dillinger as disparate musical passages crash into each other and the screamo vocals reveal something of a schizophrenic aspect to the proceedings."
Our full review of that is here.
Crossover Thrashers Enforced are a band to release a contender for album of the year today. 'Kill Grid' is beautifully crafted brutality.
"Kill Grid simply levels. Sure, there is ample evidence of influences from punk to Slayer to Bolt Thrower to Iron Maiden. It’s a heady mix of full-on pile driving. The pounding ‘UXO’ shifts from break-neck explosive speed to a slower, crushing riff heavy pace, whilst the spirit of Slayer is reborn in the blistering ‘Malignance’."
Read our review here, and if you missed it last week, check out our interview with Knox here.
One (or two) for the diehard thrash metal fans it the re-issues from the Assassin camp. The German thrashers re-release 'Holy Terror' and 'The Saga of Nemesis' today via High roller Records.
"So raw that it was still twitching, the synapses still burning and muscles still flexing. The sheer intensity of tracks like ‘Fight (To Stop the Tyranny)’, ‘Bullet’ and ‘Assassin’ are wild, uncontrolled and simply relentless."
Here are our thoughts on this re-issue.
We weren't convinced by the new Sacrilegious Crown E.P. 'Plenilunium Cult'. Whilst it may not be to our taste, it's still one for you black metal fans to check out.
"Three tracks of absolutely terrifying nightmarish screaming, chilling howls, and wave after wave of tremolo riffing."
Here's our take on it.
Staying with black metal for a moment, there are a few more releases to check out. Snær release 'Frozen Alchemy', Utbyrd drop 'Varskrik', Varmia release 'Bal Lada', Isgherurd Morth's 'Hellrduk' and Necropanther (what a name!) who are more blackened thrash have a new album in 'In Depths We Sleep'. You can check out 'Cheers To Seth Davey' taken from Necropanthers album, below.
Quite possibly the heaviest band in the world... Conan release their third live album today, 'Live at Freak Valley', via Napalm Records.
"‘Live at Freak Valley’ is another reminder, if one were needed, that Conan stand at the very pinnacle of their genre. Pulverising from opening chord to last beat, little can match the sheer intensity of this band. Hail Conan!"
Read our review here.
Sepulcros meld a mix of atmospheric doom and death metal into a swirling cacophony that is 'Vazio'.
"Everything about ‘Vazio’ is unsettling. From the unearthly growls that permeate through the thick, cavernous riffs, to the overall sonic disturbances that are emitted. The darkness suffocates, the stench of decay lingering, the haunting echoes demanding."
Our full review is here.
Melding a heavy dose of doom with elements of classic N.W.O.B.H.M. are North Carolinan outfit WitchTit and their album 'Intoxicating Lethargy'.
"Slow doom metal clouds begin to form with a menacing, broody atmosphere before Reign takes her place in your head. Her vocals elevate this already accomplished doomy music to a mystical level."
Read out full review here.
Sludge lords Eyehategod release a new album 'A History of Nomadic Behaviour' today via century Media Records. It's an album thats been in the making for a number of years, with touring getting in the way of its completion. With last years enforced break Mike finished his vocals and their new record finally gets unleashed!
You can check out the interview we had with Mike here.
There is more doom on offer with the split E.P. 'A Cold Sweat of Quiet Dread' from Myopic and At The Graves. Rise To The Sky release 'Let Me Drown With You' and Thunder Horse drop 'Chosen One'.
If stoner rock is more your bag then you need to check out Yawning Man re-issue their live album 'Live at Maximum Festival'.
For a bit of grunge, this week we encourage you to check out the new E.P. from Cactus Flowers, 'Solace'.
"Driven by thick, swirling riffs, highlighting a swagger and confidence that Cactus Flower have evidently developed in their six years together."
Read our review here.
Sleepless meld a multitude of styles on their latest E.P. 'Blood Libel'.
"Four tracks, each with an individual feel and style. Elements of thrash, progressive and power metal and even a bizarre keyboard breakdown confront you on first listen."
Our thoughts on this one is here.
Given recent news events 'Royal Destroyer' the new album from The Crown seems aptly titled for the Swedish death metal heavyweights return to action.
"The intent of this album is definitely to cave skulls in and it does this with admirable effect. Skull pulverising opener Baptized In Violence is a statement of intent and absolutely rips with crippling speed."
Read our review here.
There's plenty more new death metal on offer today, highlights of which include 'Compelled By Evil' from Mexican death/groove outfit Hate Ritual. 'Beset By False Prophets' from Twitch of a Death Nerve and the unique stylings of Dr. Schafausen's 'Waiting For Tomorrow'.
For a good old dose of traditional heavy metal we encourage you to check out a few of these fine releases. Corners of Sanctuary's 'Blood and Steel Vol 1'. Rhabstallion's 'Back In The Saddle', White Void's 'Anti' and Sweden's own Mara with 'Djävulstoner'.
But standout in the genre is new E.P. from Callous Hands, 'Earth Mover'. Check out the teaser video below.
German power metal legends Orden Ogan return with their first album in four years today. 'Final Days' gives fresh impetus to the Orden Ogan beast.
"The compositions are beautifully structured, the use of harmonies and melody delicately laced throughout."
Our full review is here.
Cruel Life Inside are a bit of a mixing pot of different dark and atmospheric metal sounds. They release 'Eclipsis Vitae' via Casus Belli Musica and Beverina Productions today.
"Elements of atmospheric black metal, doom metal and gothic metal all prevalent in the music on Eclipsis Vitae. The result is some very dark, atmospheric and forlorn music spread across 41 minutes."
Read our review here.
And not forgetting releases from alt rockers Dollar Signs, classic rock from Starmen and Ivy Gold, extreme metal from Autarkh. Horror rock from Lugosi, prog from both Minutian and Rioghan, and punk from Human Failure and Glitchers.
And thats just the tip of the iceberg! There is so much new music out today for you to get your groove on to. Enjoy it all!
