Metal/Hardcore Review – Page 78

Isis – Panopticon – Review

June 13, 2005

This generation’s Godflesh have returned. Equally epic and bombastic but with a different focus this time around: Melodies instead of sheer crushing riffage.

Immolation – Harnessing Ruin – Review

June 13, 2005

Angular guitars are complimented by atmospheric melodies, instilling visions of fiery oblivion. If there’s a soundtrack to damnation, Harnessing Ruin is it.

Icarus Witch – Roses On White Lace – Review

June 13, 2005

Five tracks, four actual songs (one an obscure, very heavy Alice Cooper cover), 17 minutes, but this dark, American power metal gem is making waves in Europe.

Frantic Bleep – The Sense Apparatus – Review

June 13, 2005

Swirls of blackened psychedelia and flourishes of prog-metallic flair, melodic vocals, melancholic keyboards, eerie atmospheric chantings, the works.

Extol – The Blueprint Dives -Review

June 13, 2005

Once inside this maelstrom of a record, one finds an arcane cross between Peccatum, Arcturus, Neurosis, Killing Joke, and tour-mates Opeth.

Slayer – Still Reigning – Review

June 13, 2005

Experiencing “Piece by Piece,” “Criminally Insane,” and “Epidemic” live made me squeal like a Trekkie nerd, but something was missing. Youth. Vigor.

Metallimania – Review

June 13, 2005

Metallimania is probably worth viewing once, especially if you liked Heavy Metal Parking Lot, but definitely make sure you have the remote handy.

Leviathan – Tentacles of Whorror – Review

June 13, 2005

Ultra-fuzzy guitar, melodic bass lines, echo heavy banshee wails, and blastbeat drumming segue nicely to the more quiet, atmospheric compositions.

Doomed Nation – Episode 1 – Review

June 13, 2005

Part live footage, part lifted news/movie/TV, part psychedelic effects, this is the way to absorb prime doom/stoner/dirt metal grumble.

Dark Tranquillity – Character – Review

June 13, 2005

After Haven and Damage Done, Character is a snap back to a gruffer vocal, messier/noisier production, faster songs, less keyboards, and more metal.