Tag Archives: Melodic Death Metal

Newsflash: Balaam impersonated. By Xaon!

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RockmusicRaider Newsflash - Xaon - Face of Balaam - Album Cover

The wicked prophet is loose with his donkey again, facing the sword-wielding angel! Or something of that nature. And in Switzerland to boot.

If an EP serves – as the lore goes – to show the skills of a band in their early days, then the Swiss band Xaon hit dead center with their upcoming, self-released album Face of Balaam. Expecting some watery metal concoction, I was stopped dead in my tracks by this tsunami rolling over me. And by Loki, these guys serve an intense and aggressive brand of their favorite metal.

And talking about early days.

Xaon formed in … [...] Click to raid more!

Newsflash: Banned From Hell predicts humanity’s downfall!

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RockmusicRaider Newsflash - Banned From Hell - Fall of Humanity - Album Cover

You know, sometimes a tune just sticks like mud on a wall. And this just so happened with the Italian band Banned From Hell and their second album Fall of Humanity. The description says Horror Metal. And this, too, got my attention.

And indeed, there is this hint of master Dracula sitting in the great hall playing on his organ from hell. Whilst he impatiently waits for his next victim to arrive.

But what have we got ourselves?

In fact, the complexity and structure Banned From Hell use kinda resemble stuff Carach Angren often embarks on. No perfect fit, I agree, but … [...] Click to raid more!

Panychida – Haereticalia – The Night Battles (2016) – Review

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Panychida - Haereticalia The Night Battles - Album Cover

At first Haereticalia – The Night Battles of the Czech outfit Panychida, just sounds like any other Symphonic Metal band trying their often frugal orchestral muscle out on the unsuspecting fan crowd.

Already the intro waltzes away like something straight from Central Europe, somewhat of a baroque classical style with a slightly Austrian touch.

Which makes sense to an extent.

Panychida are joining us from Plzeň in the Czech Republic. An area, more known for its beer, classical music (not metal, sadly), and loads of history. So, you kind of wonder where this is all going. Until the evil twins from Shining step in with a … [...] Click to raid more!

Gone In April – Threads of Existence (2016) – Review

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RockmusicRaider Review - Gone in April - Threads of Existence - Album Cover

Knoxville, TN, huh? In the bible belt? Not necessarily known for its abundance in metal bands. You’ll get your fair share of Heavy or Southern Rock. And for sure all sorts of country outfits that will try the plains of the heartland.

But here we got the Canadian/American band Gone In April featuring their sophomore full-length album Threads of Existence. And they truly feature metal the way we like it.

But they do not opt for the easy road.

They’re offering a mix of Gothic and Symphonic Metal style that will make you hit the back button. Right when you wanted to … [...] Click to raid more!