album reviews

Misfire: Product of the Environment: 2
Calling all thrash maniacs! Listen up – Misfire from Chicago will release their new album, “Product of the Environment,” on May 2 through MNRK Heavy. The band has changed its vocalist and bassist since their first album, “Sympathy for the Ignorant,” released in 2021. New vocalist Tim Jensen brings a mix of melody and aggression that energizes each track. The album opens with “Borrowed Time,” followed by “Day to Day,” which starts softly before turning into a fast thrash song. “All Over the Place” features quick double bass drumming, while “We Went Through Hell” provides a change of pace with a mid-tempo style. The album continues with powerful tracks like “Born to Die,” “Living the Dream,” and “End of an Age. ” The final track, the title track, ends on a high note with a memorable lyrical theme. Fans will not want to miss this energetic release!

RETROMORPHOSIS: Psalmus Mortis: 3
Retromorphosis, a new band in the death metal scene, has emerged from the legacy of Spawn of Possession. Their debut album, Psalmus Mortis, showcases the band's unique style and creative energy. Founded by one of Spawn of Possession's original members, Jonas Bryssling, the album was created during the pandemic as he sought to explore new directions in songwriting. He reunited with former bandmates Dennis Röndum and Erlend Casperson, along with guitarist Christian Muenzner, to produce fresh and intense music that still pays homage to their roots. The first single, "Vanished," combines old-school death metal sounds with modern elements, setting the stage for the album's themes. The band aimed for a balance between intensity and eerie simplicity, carving out complex structures that push the genre's boundaries. Psalmus Mortis features a mix of unique instruments and textures, enhancing the atmospheres of their songs. New drummer KC Howard brings powerful energy to the tracks, while the overall sound reflects a more liberated approach compared to their past work. The album encapsulates a chilling blend of technical prowess and horror-themed lyrics, signaling the return of a significant force in technical death metal.

WORLDWIDE

Pathogenic: Crowned in Corpses: 2
Pathogenic is a Boston-based band that blends modern tech death with progressive influences. They will release a new album titled "Crowned in Corpses" in February. The album starts with an opening track that feels intense and technical or progressive. However, the following tracks improve significantly, showcasing the band's talent in technical songwriting. The rhythm guitar tone is too mechanical for some listeners, but the playing features heavy riffs, tight leads, and melody. The drum sound is praised for its intensity and effortless performance, keeping the album interesting. While the clean vocals may not appeal to everyone, the overall vocal performance is strong with a good mix of styles. "Crowned in Corpses" is a well-constructed album that offers solid technical and progressive death metal.

Allegaeon: The Ossuary Lens: 3

ALLEGAEON is a highly respected band in extreme metal, formed in 2008 by guitarist Greg Burgess. Based in Colorado, they have released many impressive albums, yet have not achieved the commercial success their unique music deserves. Their new album, "The Ossuary Lens," is expected to continue this trend, but fans are assured of the band’s consistent quality since their last critically acclaimed album, "Damnum" (2022). The album comes after two exciting singles that showcase the band’s technical prowess. ALLEGAEON has evolved to be more melodic and progressive over the years, while maintaining their brutal sound. The return of original vocalist Ezra Haynes complements the inventive guitar work. "The Ossuary Lens" combines aggression with evolved musical elements. Songs like "Driftwood" and "Carried By Delusion" balance melodic death with progressive metal. The album features tracks such as "The Swarm," highlighting technical skill, and "Wake Circling Above," showcasing creativity. Overall, "The Ossuary Lens" is an outstanding achievement that meets high expectations.

Rating Scale

4 = Excellent

3 = Good

2 = Fair

1 = Poor

Sin of God: Blood Bound: 2
Sin of God is a Hungarian band, and "Blood Bound" is their fourth album. They are known for their extreme style of death metal. The seven tracks on the album do not include melodic death metal elements. The title track reminds listeners of old school Morbid Angel but is even heavier and faster. The album features intense moments mixed with slower parts where the heaviness builds up before erupting again. The lyrics are harsh, and the guitars have a classic death metal sound. Sin of God incorporates many riffs amidst rapid rhythms, with impressive drumming that mainly uses speedy double kicks but also includes steady beats. Not every song is fast; for example, "Diabolical Agitation" is slower, providing a doomy feel with occasional bursts of energy. While "Blood Bound" does not push musical boundaries, Sin of God sticks to a proven formula that works. The album is a heavy experience with high production quality typical of well-known bands. Expect an intense listening experience that might overwhelm your headphones.

SAOR: Amidst the Ruins: 3
Out of the mists, where lore whispers in the winds, SAOR, the heralds of Caledonia’s primeval beauty and ancient tales, rise once again to enrapture souls far and wide. Their newest offering, Amidst the Ruins, is an epic voyage set to rekindle the fires of heritage and resurrect the valor that courses through Scotland's vast landscapes. In Amidst the Ruins, the warriors of SAOR cast a clarion call to awaken from the lethargy of modern existence, to reclaim the essence of a heritage laid asunder. From the vibrant resonance of ancient battles to the hushed despair of Glencoe's betrayed souls, every note spills forth like blood of the fallen seeping into the heathered earth.
As we stand on the cusp of this new era, Amidst the Ruins, the latest chronicle unfolds. SAOR's watchful eye turns to the horizon, the whispering woods, the twilight skies, and the sleeping stones bearing seers’ dreams, evoking the indomitable spirit of the realm. In their hands, the past is resurrected; its tales to be retold for those who would heed the call—SAOR, remain the ceaseless bards of Caledonia unbroken.

Bleeding Through: NINE: 4
The six-member band Bleeding Through, featuring Brandan Schieppati (vocals), Derek Youngsma (drums), John Arnold (guitar), Ryan Wombacher (bass), Marta Peterson (keys, vocals), and Brandon Richter (guitar), releases their ninth album titled NINE in 2025 through Sharptone Records. The single "Path Of Our Disease" highlights their unique chemistry, blending Marta's melodies with Brandan's powerful screams amid dynamic keys and intense guitar.
Brandan discusses societal pressures, stating, “It always looks like the grass is greener elsewhere. ” He emphasizes the destructive behavior people engage in, fueled by social media comparisons, and how the pandemic reflects these struggles. The track, “Gallows,” touches on deep personal themes regarding mental health. Brandan shares his experiences with bipolar disorder and self-hatred.
“Lost In Isolation” combines catchy elements with thrash music, highlighting the impact of mental struggles on relationships. The lyrics address self-hatred and resilience, featuring a guest solo by Doc Coyle. “I Am Resistance,” featuring Andrew Neufeld, discusses battling personal demons and the cycle of self-medication.
The album concludes with "Unholy Armada," which critiques humanity's lack of compassion. Brandan states that the album encapsulates 25 years of their work, filled with passion and aggression, offering fans a pure representation of Bleeding Through. In the end, Bleeding Through still crush in their own way without comparison.