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Author Martin Harris

Rock and metal have been in my existence for about 30 years and saw me go through a rapid weaning period that covered AC/DC, Maiden, Saxon, Whitesnake, Motorhead, etc from about 1982 to 1984 before shifting to thrash in the summer of 1984. At that point my only mission was to find the fastest, most violent music on the planet resulting checking out every genre in extreme music from death metal and grindcore to crust punk and hardcore all of which I still adore today and buy albums from and go see live. During the 80s I grew up in the infamous Bradford thrash scene, a time I still dearly miss such was the inventiveness and great camaraderie it held. I’m a bit of phase metaller, going from one style to another, through sheer investigation of finding something new, but always sticking with them all. I’m a total sucker for double bass and blast beats and always will be no matter what genre it comes from. I absolutely detest people that have joined the metal scene because it is trendy or their mates like it, likewise I detest people who are shallow and think this music is a fad of growing up. Most of us are extremely well educated and articulate individuals who prefer freedom of self expression than indoctrination by mass media organisations hell bent on artistic sterilisation. Much of my cash is spent on following metal and I wouldn’t change a thing about it because it is the best music scene in the world.

Antropofago – Aera Dementiae (Kaotoxin)

Whenever I get French extreme metal bands to review my first thought is to throw away the rule book and await the twisted ingenuity that often comes with them. However this death metal project rests firmly on solid tested ground… Continue Reading →

Black Grail – Misticismo Regresivo (Tyrannus Records)

The accompanying promotional information reads like a novel and basically tells us that this Chilean band play black metal of the bestial and occult variety as they see fit to purge our souls with blackened monstrosities in the form of… Continue Reading →

Cold Northern Vengeance – Maelstrom (Moribund)

Having not heard the debut by this US act but hearing the compilation “Trial By Ice 2002 – 2010” a few years ago I was very pleased to have this sophomore land on my review pile this month. These monolithic… Continue Reading →

Satanika – Total Inferno (Osmose)

Quite why I am not familiar with this prolific Italian band is puzzling to say the least as I decided to check their discography before giving this a listen and was impressed with the bands black thrash nihilism plus their… Continue Reading →

Abigail Williams – The Accuser (Candlelight)

With only Sorceron remaining as the founding member this US act that has released some of the most glorious epic black metal albums I’ve ever heard culminating in the gargantuan opus “Becoming” three years ago. Round about this point it… Continue Reading →

This Gift Is A Curse – All Hail The Swinelord (Season Of Mist)

Arriving like a purulent belch this sophomore effort by this Swedish band is unshackled to the confines of ideological genre parameters as they gouge open black metal with corrosive hardcore elements and deluging sludge passages. Opening the release is the… Continue Reading →

Varg – Rotkäppchen (Napalm)

This release has been designated as an EP but clocks in at 48 minutes and is the first release by this German band in three years. Decked out in red and black paint for their promo shots they have crafted… Continue Reading →

Horna – Hengen Tulet (World Terror Committee)

Possibly one of the most unsung heroes of the black metal scene worldwide Finland’s Horna has an envious release rate not only in terms of quantity but also quality for over 20 years. This is the bands ninth full length… Continue Reading →

The Black Dahlia Murder – Abysmal (Metal Blade)

This US hyper speed technical death metal outfit seems to divide the death metal fraternity when it comes to whether they are death metal or not as in the past I have seen the band labelled as metalcore which is… Continue Reading →

Leaves’ Eyes – King Of Kings (AFM)

Anyone who follows Ave Noctum’s reviews and those who know me know that I am a long life stalker, I mean fan, of all the work Liv Kristine has been involved in for over 20 years. I stand by the… Continue Reading →

Kraanium, Crepitation, Splattered, Visions Of Disfigurement, Operation Cunt Destroyer – Manchester, Star And Garter 26/8/15

Without doubt one of the most brutal line ups I’ve been in recent years as a healthy mid week crowd crammed themselves into the virtually tropical ambience of the Star And Garter. The lengths that metal fans go to see… Continue Reading →

Hammercult – Built For War (SPV)

18 months ago or so I reviewed this bands sophomore and was mightily impressed with its approach and style as yet another Israeli band sees fit to let us know that their metal scene is alive and kicking furiously. Depending… Continue Reading →

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