"Six Bands You May Not Know, But Should" June 30th, 2020 Edition

1. Valdrin (Cincinnati, Ohio, USA)

Album: Effigy of Nightmares

Release Date: June 12th, 2020 (Blood Harvest Records)

Genre: Melodic Black

Contemporaries: Naglfar, Dark Fortress, Hecate Enthroned, Vananidr

Returning with their hauntingly canorous methodology for a third full-length effort, Cincinnati’s Valdrin weave a monstrous web of old-school echo together with a modern melodicism, dissonance, and clarity of production to fantastic effect upon Effigy of Nightmares. Chillingly cold in structure but surprisingly warm in execution and delivery, Valdrin’s Effigy of Nightmares is six ominous arrangements laid out brilliantly, both in order and in effect. The strongest numbers? The first single, “Red Burning Candles of Hatred”, and the epic closer, “Down the Oubliette of Maelstrom”.

2. The Rite (Denmark/Italy, EUR)

Album: Liturgy of the Black

Release Date: June 19th, 2020 (Iron Bonehead Productions)

Genre: Modern Black

Contemporaries: Venom A.D., Denial of God, Funerary Bell, Master’s Hammer

First blasting upon the scene in 2018 with their debut EP, The Brocken Fires, the international black metal collaboration known as The Rite blew many a mind with their back-to-basics, almost doom-like approach to the black metal genre. And now, here amidst the plague and social upheaval that is the month of June in the year 2020 of the Common Era, The Rite have offered up their inaugural full-length mass, Liturgy of the Black, for all to devour and consume. Infernally dark and devilishly decadent, Liturgy of the Black is a stunning release worthy of all praise and adulation, and is unequivocally one of the best releases of the year, in any genre.

3. Serocs (Guadalajara, Jalisco, MEXICO)

Album: Vore EP

Release Date: June 26th, 2020 (Everlasting Spew Records)

Genre: Extreme Technical Death

Contemporaries: Cryptopsy, Soreption, Unfathomable Ruination, Carrion Vael

Prolific and punishing, Mexico’s Serocs aren’t the newest act on the block by any stretch, but since becoming an internationally dispersed venture in 2012, not only has the quantity of releases from this extreme technical terror increased exponentially, so too has the quality of each subsequent release. Still building renown, though, Serocs should get another big boost of listeners on the strength of their latest EP, Vore, out now via Everlasting Spew Records. Containing five wickedly sinister new cuts and a couple demo versions of some pre-2012 material, this mini-LP is chock full of killer music from start to finish. Don’t sleep on this sensational EP!

4. VoidCeremony (Ramona, California, USA)

Album: Entropic Reflections Continuum: Dimensional Unravel

Release Date: June 26th, 2020 (20 Buck Spin)

Genre: Progressive/Blackened Death

Contemporaries: Obscura, Gigan, Warforged, Xoth

Ramona, California’s VoidCeremony have been honing their progressively blackened and discordant craft since 2013, but until now, only EP’s had been issued from this eclectic quartet. All that changed this past weekend, however, with the official release of Entropic Reflections Continuum: Dimensional Unravel – VoidCeremony’s debut full-length – on 20 Buck Spin. Part Obscura/Beyond Creation, part Gigan, and all uniquely its own, the music of Entropic Releflections Continuum is remarkably hypnotizing, addictive, and receives full marks for individuality and creativeness.

5. Pessimist (Weil am Rhein, Germany, EUR)

Album: Holdout

Release Date: June 26th, 2020 (MDD Records)

Genre: Classic Thrash

Contemporaries: Kreator, Havok, Warbringer, Destruction

Classically executed German thrash metal: Just saying those words automatically invokes visions of legends like Kreator and Destruction, of course, but remember when an up-and-coming act named Pessimist was also vying for their own position in the pantheon of German thrash gods? Hated One Metal Reviews remembers... and so it is then that the long-awaited return of one of thrash metal’s greatest prospects has come to pass! That’s right, ladies and germs, Pessimist is back! Featuring an all new lineup built around original vocalist Michael “TZ” Schweitzer, Pessimist’s first release in seven years, Holdout, is now available worldwide from MDD Records; and the wait has been well worth it. Featuring nine ripping new cuts, Holdout is without a doubt one of the standout thrash releases of 2020. Welcome back, Pessimist!

6. Varus (Bamberg, Germany, EUR)

Album: A New Dawn

Release Date: June 27th, 2020 (Independent)

Genre: Folk/Symphonic Death

Contemporaries: Ensiferum, Moonsorrow, Suidakra, Sometimes We Make Music

Following the Ensiferum playbook step by step is Bamberg, Germany’s folk/symphonic death metal newcomers, Varus, whose sophomore full-length, A New Dawn, just dropped independently over this past weekend. Remarkably similar to their obvious main influence, Varus set themselves apart from their idol by infusing elements of their own Germanic heritage into their titles, lyrics, and dress. Hell, even their name is a reference to the Roman general whose defeat in the Teutoburg Forest at the hands of the Germanic tribes prompted Rome to never again attempt to conquer the “barbaric hordes” of what is now modern day central and northern Germany. Musically, though, Varus compliments that of their idols nicely, and is another solid addition to the rolls of symphonic folk metal’s finest. A good listen overall.

Thank you for reading, listening, and supporting these phenomenal artists in any way you can, and stay metal. Always. \m/

"Six Bands You May Not Know, But Should" June 17th, 2020 Edition

1. Undesiccated (Virginia, USA)

Album: Tseh’-Makh EP

Release Date: May 17th, 2020 (Independent)

Genre: Grindcore

Contemporaries: Wvrm, G.R.I.D., Chopping Mall, Escuela Grind

Setting grindcore blasts to imagery of and lyrics about the local flora of your home region is an unusual concept to say the least, but Undesiccated thought that the idea was worth a go. Since early 2019, this enigmatic grind trio has been releasing efforts that pay homage to the native (and sometimes invasive) vegetation and verdure of Virginia. But while grindcore’s subject matter normally tackles everything from politics to the perverse, Undesiccated have done away with such traditions by blending a little nature into the mix instead, and truth be told, it’s not half bad! Besides, nobody can really tell what most grind vocalists are barking about anyway, right? So, if you’re looking for some grindcore that’s a little outside of the box, Undesiccated’s discography – including the recently released Tseh’-Makh EP – is ready and waiting for you!

2. Close the Hatch (Dayton, Ohio, USA)

Album: Modern Witchcraft

Release Date: May 22nd, 2020 (Independent)

Genre: Melodic Doom/Post-Metal

Contemporaries: Huntsmen, Loviatar, Marrowfields, Death the Leveller

Ohio’s Close the Hatch seek to follow in the footsteps of such great acts as Huntsmen and Loviatar in creating melodious, thought-provoking doom metal with touches of post that tingles the spine and entrances the soul. Active in the Dayton scene since 2013, Close the Hatch recently released their fourth independent full-length, Modern Witchcraft, and if this album doesn’t get this act some sniffs from some labels, someone ought to report it as a crime. Well-written, no-nonsense tunage, all around.

3. Féleth (Alta, Norway, EUR)

Album: Depravity

Release Date: May 22nd, 2020 (DeadPop Records)

Genre: Melodic Death

Contemporaries: Kalmah, Burn Down Eden, Voices of Ruin, The Eldritch Grimoire

Striking out into the plague-riddled night upon their debut full-length crusade are Norway’s Féleth, whose album Depravity just dropped recently on DeadPop Records. Pacey, cumbrous, and with just enough melodic riffage and vocals interspersed to keep you satisfied, the production on Depravity is killer in the speakers. Even flirting with progressive at times, Féleth have displayed some excellent instincts on this fantastic first full-length. Dig it, dig it now!

4. October Falls (Helsinki, Finland, EUR)

Album: A Fall of an Epoch

Release Date: May 30th, 2020 (Purity Through Fire)

Genre: Atmospheric/Folk Black

Contemporaries: Fen, Gloosh, Fellwarden, Blaze of Sorrow

Helsinki’s October Falls have mostly ditched the neofolk on their latest effort, A Fall of an Epoch, in favor of a more purely atmospheric black metal bent. Don’t be mistaken, though, there are still some folky elements to be heard, but overall, the five lengthy compositions that make up A Fall of an Epoch are riding the fresh wave of airiness and ethereality that has so thoroughly swept through the black metal world. While unfortunately rather thin in the production and light in the speakers, the music contained within these tracks is still enjoyable and admirable nonetheless, so give October Falls’ newer atmospherics a listen by pressing play below!

5. Sorge (Washington, District of Columbia, USA)

Album: Sorge EP

Release Date: June 5th, 2020 (Independent)

Genre: Stoner/Psychedelic Doom

Contemporaries: Yob, Windhand, Monolord, Acid King

Bringing pounds and pounds of stony, psychedelic wavelengths upon their virgin EP release are Washington, D.C.’s newest of newcomers, Sorge (pronounced “sor-guh”). Fresh out of the conceptual womb and still green around the gills, this stunning, self-titled debut yawps loud and clear from the rooftops of the world that Sorge are another new force to be reckoned with in the stoner/psychedelic doom community. Fuzzy in both riffage and vision, Sorge by the band of the same name is one hell of a “how do you do?”, so go ahead and turn yourself on by tuning in to the press play dial below, and drop out of reality for a while courtesy of Sorge!

6. Ulthar (Oakland, California, USA)

Album: Providence

Release Date: June 12th, 2020 (20 Buck Spin)

Genre: Modern Black/Blackened Death

Contemporaries: Suffering Hour, Yaldabaoth, Predatory Light, Raptvre

Half black metal, half blackened death, and all evil are Oakland, California’s Ulthar, whose one foot in and one foot out approach is back for another full-length go-around with 20 Buck Spin. However, if their 2018 debut with the growing label (Cosmovore) failed to commence your acquaintance with this up-and-coming act, then the recently dropped Providence finally just might. Rough, raw, and rancorous, Providence is eight tracks worth of what equates to an audible flogging, complete with the delicious dissonance of a cat-o’-nine-tails’ thwaps against bare flesh. Totally fucking ruthless, and totally fucking worth a listen!

That wraps yet another installment of “Six Bands” from Hated One Metal Reviews! Thank you so much for reading, for listening, for checking out the bands, and for continuing to stay metal even whilst weathering a plague or two. Your continued support of the international metal community has been nothing short of spectacular. Keep that shit up. \m/

"6 Bands You May Not Know, But Should" - June 7th, 2020 Edition

1. Ashtar (Basel, Switzerland, EUR)

Album: Kaikuja

Release Date: May 15th, 2020 (Eisenwald)

Genre: Blackened Doom

Contemporaries: In the Company of Serpents, Culted, Seventh Circle, Head of the Demon

The Swiss-born blackened doom duo known as Ashtar have returned with their sophomore full-length, Kaikuja; and immediately, the immense promise and talent of these newcomers is palpable and unavoidable. Vocalist, bassist/guitarist, and violinist Witch N. and drummer/guitarist/backing vocalist Marko Lehtinen have crafted an album that both stuns and stupefies the listener from start to finish by brilliantly bridging the yawning divide between black metal and doom. Shamanic repetitiousness enhanced with folky, psychedelic inflections accent these five phenomenal tracks, of which “Between Furious Clouds” is the longest and most striking. Fantastic and darkly delicious.

2. Shadow in the Darkness (Keratsini, Greece, EUR)

Album: Erstwhile Befell

Release Date: May 19th, 2020 (Sliptrick Records)

Genre: Technical/Progressive Death

Contemporaries: (Early) The Faceless, The Zenith Passage, Virulent Depravity, Virvum, Symbolik

Slowly germinating for the past decade in the Greek metal underground, Keratsini’s Shadow in the Darkness have finally emerged and ascended with their debut full length, Erstwhile Befell. Highly reminiscent of Planetary Duality-era Faceless material that has smashed head-on with the oncoming train of technology à la The Zenith Passage and Symbolik, the eight tracks of Erstwhile Befell twist, turn, and tick by with enjoyable ferocity. Seemingly a long time coming, Shadow in the Darkness have emphatically announced their (overdue) arrival with this kick-ass collection of tunes. Great stuff.

3. Wolftooth (Richmond, Indiana, USA)

Album: Valhalla

Release Date: May 22nd, 2020 (Ripple Music)

Genre: Stoner/NWOTHM

Contemporaries: (Early) The Sword, Black Rainbows, Elden, Spirit Adrift, Sumerlands

Expertly blending traditional heavy metal chord progressions and vocal stylings with the ever-popular foundations of stoner sludge are Richmond, Indiana’s Wolftooth, whose sophomore full-length Valhalla just dropped late last month on Ripple Music. Easy to sing along with and enjoy, Wolftooth’s Valhalla joins with Black Rainbows’ Cosmic Ritual Supertrip and Elden’s Nostromo as some of the finest metal of not only their own genre, but also overall, to be released so far this year. You do not want to miss out on this amazing album, so get it in your earholes now!

4. Devil with No Name (Arizona, USA)

Album: Devil with No Name EP

Release Date: May 22nd, 2020 (Independent)

Genre: Modern Black

Contemporaries: Krater, From the Vastland, Horned Almighty, The Rite

Drawing from aspects of blackened sludge and progressive black are Arizona’s Devil with No Name, and this should come with no surprise, as current members of Chicago’s blackened sludge juggernauts Lord Mantis and Madison’s progressive/atmospheric black gems Tragic Death comprise two-thirds of this remarkable new project. Their eponymous debut EP officially released independently a couple weeks ago, and immediately, the underground was abuzz with excitement about these four excellently produced cuts by Devil with No Name, who are, ironically, beginning to make quite a name for themselves already. Do not sleep on this wicked good shit. Rating:

5. Ruadh (Glasgow, Scotland/UK, EUR)

Album: The Rock of the Clyde

Release Date: May 22nd, 2020 (Independent)

Genre: Atmospheric/Folk Black

Contemporaries: Wolves in the Throne Room, Aethyrick, Blaze of Sorrow, Gloosh, Fellwarden

From the mythic, grey-green mists of Scotland comes the reverberated, melodious folk black of Ruadh (pronounced “ROO-ah”), who despite only forming two short years ago have already produced their second full-length album, entitled The Rock of the Clyde. Although the production is a bit thin, this independently produced album is spectacular in every other way, from composition, to songwriting, to dynamics, and beyond. Resplendent ebbs and flows abound throughout the five meandering tracks that make up this magnificent effort. Hear for yourself by clicking play below now!

6. The Hallowed Catharsis (Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN)

Album: Killowner EP

Release Date: June 2nd, 2020 (Lacerated Enemy Records)

Genre: Progressive Death

Contemporaries: Obscura, Beyond Creation, Inanimate Existence, Gorod, Svengahli

Featuring short compositions that are jampacked with progressive/technical death delectableness and enhanced by jazzy influences and interludes, Vancouver, British Columbia’s The Hallowed Catharsis (or THC for short) have just released their fourth EP in seven years, Killowner, out now on Lacerated Enemy Records. Despite having never released a full-length album, The Hallowed Catharsis have still built a solid reputation upon tight, technical performances replete with uncontained vim and fury. Killowner? Absolutely killer. Next from THC? A full length. Pretty please, with sugar on top. And a cherry.

That wraps up yet another edition of “6 Bands You May Not Know, But Should” from Hated One Metal Reviews and Interviews. Thank you as always for reading. Stay safe and strong, EVERYONE. Diversity of life and all its existence (which thus includes humanity’s art, which thus includes metal) is all around you, and always has been... Embrace it, don’t hate it! \m/