Ildra – Eðelland (2011 / 2018) – Review

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Some bands bury themselves so far underground, it is amazing that we can actually find them. You need to be a tunnel rat for Norad to unearth them, though. And still, you will be able to find them only with some sort of nuclear-powered detection device. Or else they will just dig down further, like some giant metal mole in a cosmic rage.

A myriad of Black Metal outfits have already tried this hide-and-seek approach, wearing masks and threatening everybody and sundry with the Dark Lord, should they try to uncover their identity. But seldom have we come across a [...] Click to raid more!

Godhead Machinery – Ouroboros (2017) – Review

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Is this a case of Yet Another Extreme Metal Band? A ubiquitous metal offering of the garden variety in approach and execution? 

This often comes to mind when a new jewel case of an Extreme Metal band is cracked open and the metal starts to spill out. Seen it, heard it, got the black t-shirt with the unintelligible darkly magic scripture emblazoned on the front. A record with much of the same brand of metal all over again. With almost no difference from the usual and commonplace delivery of their brethren.

Along with genres like Symphonic Metal, Extreme Metal has [...] Click to raid more!

Ostura – The Room (2018) – Review

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I am amazed. These guys managed to get the attention of Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon, Guilt MachineStream of Passion, The Gentle Storm), plus secured the services of a felt gazillion of additional guest performers from 12 countries.

As if this weren’t enough, they got Jens Bogren of Fascination Street Studios to do the mixing and mastering piece. Then the band forged ahead and landed us with 74 minutes of progressive goodness on 12 tracks.

Wow!

And this raised a major concern right from the beginning. Do we have another case of extensive, badly managed complexity that raises [...] Click to raid more!

Summoning – Oath Bound (2006) – Review

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Some voices out there declare that only new – as in brand new – records can get a review. To go back and contemplate good ol’ tunes from the past is forbidden devilry. To be squished quickly, blown to smithereens with this mighty Thor’s hammer surely in their possession.

And you know what? From a click rate or sharing standpoint, this is absolutely correct. But RMR likes to do things a bit differently sometimes and break stuff if need be.

And besides, now that I have the scent of Summoning in my nostrils after With Doom We Come, it … [...] Click to raid more!