Metallum Sub Terra

20/08/2024

Duskwalker - 'The Loss'

Canadian death metal sounds of joy and reason surely to be checking out their recently released 'Underground Forever' album that just dropped through Black Lion Records also?

Taken from their new album Underground ForeverOut Jul 26th via Black Lion RecordsPre-order & pre-save: https://music.blacklion.nu/DuskwalkerDuskwalker is a 4...

19/08/2024

Studio report - 18/7/24

Myopia Official kindly invited me to hear their 'Mind Party' album ahead of its release at the end of August and it was way too good an opportunity to turn down.

After seeing the band earlier this year there was always the feeling that something big was incoming and having the chance to sit down with singer/guitarist/songwriter/producer Ollie and manager Johnny for what became a whole afternoon (and could have easily been longer!) really felt like a unique chance to get a real feeling for their debut album.

Their 'Myopia Music Room' studio was my first visit to a studio for more years than I could remember - the professionalism of the sounds coming from it really were something else.

Fourteen songs. The important bit is Ollie's thoughts on them. My waffle is an optional read as always lol.....

We started with an interesting conversation around 'projective synesthesia' and the impact it has on Oliie. Really interesting to experience his colour perception of each song as we went through them for sure.

Sat in front of the studios speakers I had what I could only describe as an optimistic hope that a band in their own studio could conceivably capture the vibe from when I saw them live.....here we go

1 'The World Is So Loud'

Ollie: This is one of the more personal tracks on the album. It’s about my experience with confusion and sorrow while also addressing the moments of therapeutic validation and guidance that are fleeting when in such a low mood.

MST: The piano intro alongside an emotive, almost frail vocal at times just builds to a huge, huge sound. Interestingly reminded me in parts of New Model Army

2 'Mad Song'

Ollie: The inner child is forced out of us as we grow due to the lack of space there is in working society for the erratic, yet normal behaviours of being young. It is important to address the rage and discomfort of the inner child in a healthy and realistic manner, otherwise it becomes uncontrollable and overpowering.

MST: An almost funky intro drifted into a Muse type vibe with layers of sound and some amazing bass. The vocal 'unleash' to put it mildly was absolutely massive. That riff towards the end of the song will almost certainly open some pits.....

3 'Angel System'

Ollie: A song written during the most positive period of my life. It’s about creating the perfect life in your mind and living it for some time, and how that gives you the chance to understand the person that you need to become to manifest that future.

MST: First single and certainly spoken of in terms of 'favourite' song from the album. Fast acoustic pinking at the start I still can't put my finger on who it reminds me of but again as the song opened up there were some superb riffs and a massive chorus. The light/darkness/light emotion of the song also a real highlight.

4 'Hibiscus'

Ollie: A track coming from the panic of failing to find what you need while the time you have to find it is coming to an end.

MST: 'Hibiscus' is traditionally a medicinal/healing flower. The songs dark intro feels a like a journey and it really is a beautiful soundscape despite the sad story.

5 'Stardust'

Ollie: “Your mother should have been more careful with the things she said when you were just a baby” - It’s not possible to escape from the things we wish we did better, but it is possible to ensure that our own regret doesn’t destroy the life of a child who knows nothing but to look up to their parents.

MST: A tale of narcissism. Orchestral layers with loads going on. Particular highlight was the mid section bass/drumming and unsurprisingly a big song. I'd love to hear this live with a violinist at teh very least!

6 'Luck'

Ollie: A story about suppression and power, but more importantly, one of the oldest songs on the album and consistently a track that makes us feel alive to perform.

MST: At seven minutes this is by far the longest song so far. It is also comfortably the heaviest - a dirty bass riff and a single guitar sound that genuinely had me thinking Dimebag may be smiling at that one. Galloping drum/riff and hints of grunge with a solo showing a side of Ollie that we should hear more of?

(At this point Ollie suggested this was the end of Side One....so we move onto Side Two!)

7 'Gamophobia'

Ollie: ‘Gamophobia’ is the fear of commitment. We love the energy and the riffs and turns of this song, and we hope one day for the intro of this track to generate anticipation for our audience.

MST: Another single and rightly so with a strong vocal harmony and another pit surely opening to that riff. Another strong bass line and had me thinking of a certain Bellamy (Matt, not David.....)

8 'The Call Of The Void'

Ollie: Melodically a favourite of many of my friends. This too is one of the oldest tracks on the album, and for me personally, represents the first time my own friends would know all the lyrics to one of our songs.

MST: 'The call of the void is a term for the impulse to jump from a high place or into a dangerous situation, without actually wanting to harm yourself. It is a common phenomenon that does not indicate suicidal thoughts1. The term is derived from the French expression l’appel du vide, which literally means “the call of the void”.' A speaker blowing bass line, a fascinating lyric both emotionally and in its depth. Heavy at times and with more strong vocal harmonies.

9 'What Are We'

Ollie: The most technical song on the album and by far the hardest to play. It’s about a chaotic relationship between a child and an incredibly narcissistic parent.

MST: More piano always good! Added backing vocal from Elliott great. An experimental feel to the song that felt thought provoking both musically and lyrically. Almost proggy at times (including a section that reminded me of the 'Hamlet' ads - ask your parents, kids) with, once more some exceptional drumming, a stunning crescendo towards the end of the song and all this with minimal guitar too.

10 'My Human'

Ollie: My Human is a love poem, sonically aiming to capture the emotions as much as possible.

MST: Positive. Poetic. Chilled. Almost spoken word at times and strangely reflective of its own positivity.

11 'This Is Really Nice'

Ollie: A song written after an incredible evening with somebody I wasn’t sure I’d ever see again. It’s about the mixed feelings of positivity and sadness, creating a sort of glowing contentedness.

MST: Upbeat indie vibe with an intro reminiscent of Pinball Wizard. Lyrical snapshot of how good the world can be. A frankly wonderful song.

12 'At The Mercy Of The Universe'

Ollie: Meditating on the idea of being stranded deep in space with no chance that anybody can know that you’re even there and facing the reality of death. You don’t matter here at all and nothing you can think of means anything anymore.

MST: More exceptional bass and piano and not surprised to get a Floydesque vibe here. This really feels like the sci fi event and adventure it's meant to be.

13 Mind Party/14 Movements

(Ollie suggests these songs should be played together)

Ollie (on 'Mind Party'): I find it incredibly difficult to write about my own experience of being me without worrying that it won’t make any sense, and what that in itself could mean. This track was an outlet for that feeling

MST (on 'Mind Party'): Felt like poetry rather than a song? Both thought provoking and brilliant.

Ollie (on 'Movements'): Potentially the oldest song on this album, written over 5 years ago while going through my first breakup. It’s a sort of time capsule of the entire process and remains one the things I’m most proud to have written

MST (on 'Movements'): Balladic with amazing guitar production, this becomes an epic story in both song and lyric and is relevant to us all at some point. Metallic second half continues the sheer scale of it with another orchestral end.

For the band to have given me the opportunity to do this is one that truly resonates for many reasons - the time spent with Ollie was so inspiring (worth noting he's only 21!) and both studio and album felt like a revelation.

Bands really should be wanting to get in touch with them about the studio.

We should all be heading to Colchester for the album launch too on the 30th.....

19/08/2024

Kingdom Of Giants - 'Asphalt'

US modern metal sounds and some mighty fine ones at that - 'Bleeding Star' EP out next month

Unsurprised to see they're part of the SharpTone Records family

Asphalt by Kingdom Of Giants From the new EP "Bleeding Star" Out Sept 20Pre-order, stream at: https://bfan.link/bleeding-starsystem error blood and oil turn ...

18/08/2024

Denigrate - 'Crystal Rest'

Finnish doomsters first single from their upcoming 'To the Goddess Unknown' album

And a quality way to end our day - also realised we've started and finished our playlist today with Inverse Records bands no doubt not the first or last time we'll be doing so

Lyrics:Crystal RestLong sobs of violins of autumnOf no concernA flawed beingsThin trails of orbs of justiceA short tim...

18/08/2024

Frostbite - 'Relentless Grief'

Canadian blackened death metal drop new single

New album 'Relentless Grief' out next month through the equally excellent Lion Records

Our thanks to ClawHammer PR for another quality discovery

Taken from their new album Relentless Greif Out September 20th via Black Lion Records, Pre-order CD /Digital at https://orcd.co/relentless-grief-albumFollo...

18/08/2024

Attractive Chaos - 'Magical Powers'

'Since announcing the August 14th release of their new EP, Tame & Conquer, Attractive Chaos have released two singles that have raised expectations and heightened anticipation for their latest collection of beautiful songs. Today it is time for a third new piece of melodic metal mastery in the form of 'Magical Powers' - one of the band's heaviest tracks. The band's customary wonderful melody lines are juxtaposed with some fiercely heavy riffs and exemplary musicianship, with dark and aggressive vocals providing a fascinating counterpoint to the siren tones of front woman Emma Elvaston.

The video was shot during the 1st edition of , in Bosa, Sardegna.

The band have shared their thoughts on 'Magical Powers', saying, "'Magical Powers' is a two voice song with two atmospheres. Growls are dealing with previous fights. They express the rage of someone who has suffered but finally overcome obstacles and dangers. The clean vocal completes the message delivered by the growls telling that the power of your mind can make you have full control of your destiny."

Don't forget that the full splendour of Tame & Conquer is out now!'

Imperative PR

Magical Powers is the third single taken from Attractive Chaos new E.P "Tame & Conquer"Pre-oder your copy now : https://linktr.ee/attractivechaosVideo shot d...

18/08/2024

CREST OF DARKNESS - 'Call Of The Moon'

Norwegian black metal? Feels like it's been a while

Thankfully the quality remains and new album 'My Ghost' out in October through My Kingdom Music

CREST OF DARKNESS "Call Of The Moon" 7"EP / digitalLISTEN/BUY: https://album.link/COD_moon- 7"EP: https://shorturl.at/HCBauVideo editing by MARCELO SILVA (M...

18/08/2024

Tzimani - 'We Stand and Fight'

US classic metallic rock and roll sounds - we'll let Asher Media Relations tell you more:

'After a five-year hiatus from releasing new material, San Diego, USA’s Tzimani is set to unleash their highly anticipated new single “We Stand and Fight”, on July 19, 2024. This track marks the dynamic duo of brothers Eddie and Seb Vazquez’s bold return to the metal scene, blending old-school heavy metal elements with their unique sound. They comment on the single:

“We Stand and Fight is the rippin’ high-octane opening track to our debut album. We knew from the get-go that this song would be the opening track to the record, with its triumphant and powerful riffs, leads, and battle-themed lyrics about rising to the occasion and fighting for what you believe in, against all odds. Since we wrote the song, it has become our show opener and a live staple when we need to kickstart the crowd and get heads banging.”

You know those albums that you listen to over and over again and you just know when the first song hits your sense of familiarity, nostalgia, warmth, and comfort? That is what Tzimani is trying to encapsulate. The song is straightforward rockin’ heavy metal and they feel it is the best track to kick off the next release cycle and to show all the fans as well as new folks listening to them, what they are capable of.

Despite the relentless touring from 2017 to 2019, the pandemic brought an unexpected slowdown for Tzimani. From 2020 to 2023, the band entered a dormant phase, with limited activity and sporadic performances across California. During this period, however, they remained active in the local scene, using the time to write, record, and finalize their highly anticipated debut album, which can be expected in the near future. They are recommended for fans of Van Halen, Revolution Saints, and Santa Cruz.'

Provided to YouTube by Xelon EntertainmentWe Stand and Fight · TzimaniWe Stand and Fight℗ 2024 Noize Cartel RecordsReleased on: 2024-07-19Auto-generated by Y...

18/08/2024

Slackrr - 'Over and Over'

UK pop punk crew dropped their new single and what a tune it is!

'The band says, "We are so excited for “Over & Over” being released into the world. The song was written in early 2024, and was one of the first songs to be written for our upcoming album to be released via SBAM Records scheduled for summer 2025. The song focuses on something that we feel everyone can relate to: When you have people in your life who you consider to be friends or even strangers you don't know talking behind your back in the hopes of bringing you and your hopes and dreams for the future down, and the massive impact that can have on your mental health. This song is about confronting those things and finding strength in yourself with the help of good people around you to overcome it. The video for "Over & Over" is based on this concept but with a fun twist to represent how the real facts and truth will reveal themselves in the end as well as the people who do these things to others will reveal themselves for who they really are in the end."

Earshot Media SBAM Records

SLACKRR Official music video for the brand new single "Over & Over" from SLACKRR. Released Via SBAM Records available on all streaming platforms www.slackrr....

18/08/2024

Alias Noone - 'Primordials'

Finnish melodic death metal and Inverse Records remain as symbiotic as bread and butter? Beer and metal? You get the point haha

New album 'Weight Of The World' incoming too

Primordials is a tribute to what came before us. Bracing yourself to change and the awe of the greatness of ou...

17/08/2024

Onchocerciasis Esophagogastroduodenoscopy - 'The Fallen Lament, Paralytikus Ascends'

Certainly the longest band name we've ever seen and possibly challenging for the most brutal sound too?

New EP out now on Gore House Productions / Stillbirth Records

Asher Media Relations

Band: Onchocerciasis Esophagogastroduodenoscopy Track: The Fallen Lament, Paralytikus AscendsCountry: Australia / Canada / GermanyReleased: 07/19/24Label: St...

16/08/2024

Warfarer - 'Heir Uncrowned'

Finland

Melodic death metal (with a sprinkling of folk)

Inverse Records

We'd struggle to recommend a better guarantee of quality to start any day!

Debut album 'A Tale Beyond the Pale' out in November

Warfarer are thrilled to announce the release of "Heir Uncrowned," the powerful opening single from our upcoming concept album, "A Tale Beyond the Pale." Thi...

15/08/2024

EIGHT SINS - 'Street Trash Hellfest 2024'

What an amazing day this must have been!

What a song from last years equally awesome 'Straight To Namek' album

Victory Vision Agency

STREET TRASH from the album STRAIGHT TO NAMEKShot by Pierre Reynard https://www.pierre-reynard.com at 2024 on the WarzoneRecord, mix and ma...

14/08/2024

Fate's Hollow - 'The End Of Summer'

UK progressive rockers dropping debut album 'The Heir Apparition Part I - Broken Crowns'

If this tune represents what's to come it'll rightly be an album most of us will be needing

Thanks to Harry Mosaic Music

"The End Of Summer" out now: https://ditto.fm/the-end-of-summer-fates-hollowMusic Video created by Fate's Hollow and Diaphony Productions.Visit Us: http://ww...

13/08/2024

Intöxicated (official) - 'Red Light Ripper'

Germain speed thrashers reminding us once more the art of riff and shred is one that has got most of us to where we're at with our love of the metal

MDD Records/Shop Against PR

Official video "Red Light Ripper" by INTÖXICATED | new single July 16, 2024 on al common plattforms Video by Beyond Heavy• ALBUM ORDERS:MDD: http://mdd-reco...

12/08/2024

Wolfhorde - 'Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog'

Finnish death/folk sounds of Inverse Records levels of obvious quality

Gonna let the band explain about the amazing song title - new album 'Bloodmoon Symphonies' out on the 30th of this month

“Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog is a metaphor or a description of severe depression. It is the soft creature that is easily disregarded as ‘nothing’, yet it possesses the potential for absolute destruction.

The lyric video for Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog is a combination of imagination and artificial intelligence with the intention of creating something nightmarish to complement the lyrics of this song."

An official video Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog by Wolfhorde. The track is taken from their third album 'Bloodmoon Symphonies' which is released on August 30th...

11/08/2024

Blighted Eye - 'A Reverent Stillness'

Finishing our day in the US - we'll let our friends ClawHammer PR tell you about this awesome slice of blackened death.....

'Seattle's progressive blackened death quartet BLIGHTED EYE has shared the lyric video for "A Reverent Stillness," the newest single off their upcoming second studio album, Agony's Bespoke.

The band comments on the song, "The penultimate track from our forthcoming full-length Agony’s Bespoke, “A Reverent Stillness” is in a way the perfect snapshot of the album as a whole. As the first song written during this album cycle, it interweaves catchy melodic leads, dense atmospheric sections, and a more grim and frostbitten approach to melodic death metal riffing, all bolstered by a thunderous and ever-present rhythm section. Thematically, the song is simultaneously triumphant and hopeless as the character at the center of Agony’s story has finally achieved the vengeance he long sought, but at a heavy physical and psychological cost."

Agony's Bespoke is a monumental, hour-long work, marking a new height for the band's growing skills of songwriting and storytelling. Theatrical and immersive, the album is heavily inspired by the 2018 Australian film, "Nightingale," and tells a similarly tragic story. Highlighting the transformative power of violence and the ultimate futility of revenge, the album seeks to explore the lasting emotional and psychological impact of trauma.

Beyond the Top Records will release Agony's Bespoke on digipak CD, limited-edition vinyl, and digital formats on September 20.'

BLIGHTED EYE - A Reverent Stillness (Official Lyric Video). Taken from the album "Agony's Bespoke," available via Beyond The Top Records on 9.20.24.PRE-ORDER...

11/08/2024

Kosmvs - 'Coded Maze'

Brazilian modern metal sounds of real quality

Sit back and enjoy

KOSMVS - Coded Maze (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)We are KOSMVS, a four-member powerhouse from Brazil, blending contemporary melodies with searing metal. With relent...

11/08/2024

Lost To Light - 'Redeemer'

UK metalcore newcomers - Max from SickSet Media sent us this (we'll let him tell you more below). We'll just add you just got to read some of the bands these have been or are still involved with to know the kind of quality this will be

'Derby-based metalcore heavyweights LOST TO LIGHT have dropped a biting, heavy and emotionally charged new track titled "Redeemer," alongside the announcement of their debut EP, Conceal, due for release on August 2nd via self-release.

Discussing the brand new single, the band states:""Redeemer" is a song that speaks on specific chapters in our lives where we may have lost our way but manage to bring it back to where we want it, for example: Someone who’s suffering from drug addiction and feels like there’s nothing else to life but that high, but a snap of reality hits and they turn their lives around to become the best version of themselves. It’s about redeeming what you once had or want to have, not giving in to temptations that life throws at you."

Featuring members of underground UK legends Sworn Amongst & The Cartographer, alongside former members of Skies In Motion, Laguna Sunrise, & Path To Prevail, Lost To Light may be newcomers, but their existing pedigree within the UK scene is evident from the moment "Redeemer" begins. It's self-evident through their undeniable presence, too, having landed such legendary festival stages as this year's Bloodstock Open Air, as well as the final edition of UK Tech-Fest in 2023 with just one previous single under their belt.

With a unique dual-vocal setup, angular riffs, soaring leads, and an acute handle on both blistering aggression and infectious melodicism, Lost To Light's sound is equal measure planetary, punishing and urgent, and has quickly gained them rightful notoriety in the UK scene in just a short time. '

11/08/2024

Death League official - 'Annihilated Race'

Greek melodic death metallers second single from their upcoming debut album 'Inferno' out this friday (16th August)

Banging sounds - masses of luck with the release - I'll be raising my glass to you Friday (as it's also my birthday haha!)

Theogonia Records Against PR

Taken from the debut album "Inferno", out on August 16th, 2024. ⬇️ Pre-Order here ⬇️Webshop: https://tinyurl.com/buyinferno Bandcamp: https://tinyurl.com/do...

11/08/2024

HollowKin - 'Leech'

Explosive modern metalcore sounds from the UK - we'll hand over to SaN PR to use far better words than us

'Exciting contemporary metallers, HollowKin, are set to make a prominent mark with the release of their monolithic debut EP, Confessions & Failures, which lands on Friday 15th November. The fast-emerging newcomers have also just released the single and video, Leech.

Born at the end of 2023, HollowKin wasted no time in setting out their manifesto. From the off, the diligent metalcorers soon amassed a heap of high-end quality material to commence work on their debut EP. In May of this year, the rampant riff slayers released their debut single, In Hersey. The single pricked strong interest and has set the stage for their new EP, Confessions & Failures.

In pulling from a wealth of influences, HollowKin have shaped an intoxicating sound that is absorbing and utterly enthralling. The Bath-based five-piece merge the groove-drenched riffery of Lamb Of God with the melodic prowess of Architects. Vocalist James Steaton-Pritchard talks about the influence behind their new EP: “With Confessions & Failures, we wanted to come out swinging, showcasing our musical range and influences. The EP moves between socially driven and introspective in equal measure, angry with the state of the world and ourselves.”

The towering metallers’ new EP is undeniably an astonishing debut. The release highlights their ample songwriting expertise and musical maturity, with each track from the EP having its very own unique energy, component, and flow. With a stunning EP in tow, and a series of live shows on the way, HollowKin are certain to break this year.

Pre-save EP: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/hollowkin/confessions--failures

‘’Confessions & Failures’' EP track listing: 1) Tomorrow At Dawn, 2) A Pilgrimage, 3) Leech, 4) The Devil In Your Garden, 5) In Hersey.

HollowKin live this October: 4th - Cobblestones | Bridgwater, 5th - The Flapper | Birmingham, 6th - B2 Venue/The Brickmakers | Norwich, 7th - Fuel | Cardiff, 8th - New Cross Inn | London.'

Leech, the second single from our upcoming Confessions & Failures EP is out now to stream - https://linktr.ee/hollowkinFilmed & Edited by James SP Film - in...

11/08/2024

Emerra - 'Damage'

Delighted to have discovered this band c/o YT and its voodoo algorithm - more than happy to take a trip to Germany again this morning for some aweseme alt metal

Thanks for liking, commenting & subscribing!Music by EmerraProduced by Fabian Horn (www.fabian-horn.com)& Max Lumer ()Mix & Master by Fabian Horn Sou...

11/08/2024

Rise of Kronos - 'Kraken'

To Germany for some death metal of (darkened) joy

ICYMI they have a new album in the shape of 'Where The Gods Return' that's just dropped - go savour more......

Our thanks to Rotten And Poor Promotion for the send also

The official audio for "Kraken"From the album "Where The Gods Return" out August 02, 2024Follow Rise Of Kronos:Official Website: https://www.riseofkronos.deF...

10/08/2024

Myopia Official - 'Stardust'

New single from their upcoming 'Mind Party' album

As someone who's been genuinely privileged to hear said album there is so, so much to come from this band to be excited for

This is our 5th and final single release from our Upcoming Album Mind Party.“Your mother should have been more careful with the things she said when you were...

10/08/2024

Spread Thin - 'Unjustified'

There is something so right about this caliber of utter brutality clocking in at under a minute

Says Asher Media Relations:

'Unapologetic and impassioned, the band defines a volition of candor in their songwriting and live performances with forthright emotion and presentation. They practice very hard to have a tight rhythm section between the bass and drums, cutting through the chainsaw guitar tone and barking vocals. They are recommended for fans of Spy, Rotting Out, and Magrudergrind.'

Yep. All of that.

09/08/2024

☹️

Sadly hit that time where I need to disappear for a bit to sort some real life s**t

I'll still be around and will still be reviewing gigs but outside of that I simply have to prioritize my time until I can fix what needs taking care of

Got posts scheduled til the end of the month then it will just be live reviews as regardless of what's going on I, like most of us, need live shows and the happy that they bring

I'll try to share other bits from FB from time to time when I can

Will absolutely be back once I'm sorted

Thanks for reading

Phil

09/08/2024

Burn Down Eden - 'Aim For The Stars'

German tech/melodeath sounds to once more behold

Seek and Strike

FOLLOW BURN DOWN EDEN:Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/SpotifyBurnDownEdenApple Music: http://tinyurl.com/AppleBurnDownEdenFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/burn...

08/08/2024

Mammoth Caravan - 'Tusks Of Orion'

US brutality in sludge/doom form

Taken from their upcoming album 'Frostbitten Galaxy'

Savour loudly

Thanks ClawHammer PR

Mammoth Caravan - Tusks Of Orion (Music Video)Mammoth Caravan isBrandon Ringo - Bass/VocalsRobert Warner - GuitarKhetner Howton - DrumsOff our upcoming new L...