ALBUM REVIEW – MY DYING BRIDE

My Dying Bride – A Mortal Binding

Reviewed By: Kenneth Gallant

Review Score: 9

It’s been four years since Ghost Of Orion was released by My Dying Bride. When the album was offered
up in 2020, the world was reeling with the start of COVID and all the subsequent lock downs that followed. As for the album, it hit at the right time; becoming a grim, oppressive, and powerful soundtrack to reflect the time we all found ourselves in.

The band has always been prone to sweeping you up into a deeply emotional voyage of sonic dirges;
embroiling your senses along the way into a whirlwind of doomed sounds. They truly are one of the more unique bands in the doom/death/gothic metal genre and it shows here on A Mortal Binding. This
represents the band’s fifteenth studio recording and it’s a stunning testament to an enduring legacy that began at the start of the 1990’s.

As I attempted to gather my initial thoughts, I noticed how tight and refined the production was on this release. Much like the last record, the songs here are crisp, engaging and moving. The first track ‘Her Domain’ is completely guitar-driven and is proceeded by thick and doomy tones. Aaron Stainthorpe’s vocals are raspy and tortured sounding, but quite pronounced throughout this piece. He doesn’t let up for any reason and it’s a big statement to make on an opening track of this magnitude. At least on the next track ‘Thornwyck Hymn’ the vocals are dominated by clean singing and followed by soaring melodies that drip nothing but melancholia.

‘The Second of Three Bells’ starts up slowly and continues to pull back, until the guitars grind hard and the growls are heard. The song falls back again into what I feel is a beautifully realized track. ‘Unthroned Creed’ features some beefy guitars and probably some of Andrew Craighan’s best lead work. The lyrics fall inline perfectly and I love the line “I won’t help you anymore” repeated several times throughout the song.

Following that is the eleven minute opus called ‘The Apocalyptist’ which twists and turns with violins, heavy guitars and Aaron’s guttural vocals. I love how it rips along and then slows down to slither at a menacing pace. My ears can pick out a Ride The Lighning vibe in the guitars in one part and then suddenly hear the brilliance of a Tony Iommi riff in another part. This is my favourite track by
the way.

The second to last track; ‘A Starving Heart’ again blisters along with a sweeping melody; allowing Aaron to provide clean and snarly vocals on top of it. This is a solid piece overall setting up the final track ‘Crushed Embers’ to be ushered in at a slow and deliberate pace. There’s heaping amounts of doomy goodness here, and I love the line “I waited such a long time and questioned my sanity.” The growls at this juncture work so well; punctuating the ending of the song soon after.

A Mortal Binding clocks in close to fifty-five minutes and becomes an epic long player in the process. I
simply love the guitar harmonies and crystal clear production brings all that on point. Aaron Stainthorpe continues writing poetically and morbidly; getting better on every album with his lyrics. He can also switch effortlessly from clean to gnarly vocals becoming old hat to him at this point. There’s not a bad song to be found here and you can easily slot this release along side The Ghost of Orion. My favourite track is ‘The Apocalyptist’, but other tracks like ‘Her Dominion’, ‘Thornwyck Hymn’ and ‘Unthroned Creed’ are all equally good.

A Mortal Binding will be released on April 19th via Nuclear Blast Records.

ALBUM REVIEW – TYR

Týr – Battle Ballads

Reviewed by: Blake Mossey

Review Score: 9

Folk/Viking metal band Týr are set to release their 9th studio album Battle Ballads on Metal Blade Records. On February 8, 2020, the band’s collaboration with the Symphony Orchestra of the Faroe Islands to record the double-disc/DVD “A Night at the Nordic House” was a dream come true for founder and frontman Heri Joensen. He was excited to fuse his two favorite music genres, folk and classical, into the band’s unique musical style. The collaboration had a profound impact on Joensen, inspiring him and significantly influencing the direction of this album.

This album has full orchestration with it and is a little less progressive then previous works which might displease some long time fans but this is the new vision of the band. So we have classical music mixed in with Týr‘s Viking, folk and power metal elements. The lead-off track ‘Hammered’ dispels any notion of ballads, assaulting the listener with a fusion of power metal and the majestic undertones of classical music.

‘Unwandered Ways’ is a vibrant, uplifting mix of vocal harmonies, traditional folk hooks, and driving guitars, featuring a solo that showcases Hans Hammer’s virtuosic shredding skills. ‘Dragons Never Die’ presents an ideal mixture of power metal with classical instrumentation full on display. ‘Row’ is very viking metal with the pounding drums to lead off the track and such a massive full sound as the song progresses and Joensen distinctive vocals on point. ‘Torkils Døtur’ slows things down, featuring the most folk metal elements, complete with folk guitars and baritone vocals, making it the closest piece to a ballad on the album.

‘Vælkomnir Føroyingar’ begins at a midtempo pace before erupting into a fast-paced power/viking metal masterpiece. It’s certainly one of my favorites on this album. The tempo persists with ‘Hangman,’ featuring choral chants, sing-along vocals, heavy riffing, and neoclassical feel. Another awesome track. These two tracks in particular showcase the album’s exceptional production and the remarkable sound quality attained throughout.

The band has ventured in a slightly different direction with this album, yet they have crafted a colossal-sounding epic that blends Viking and power metal with classical music, enhancing its grandeur.

Album available April 12th on Metal Blade Records. ORDER HERE

Band
Heri Joensen: Vocals / Guitar
Hans Hammer: Lead Guitar
Gunnar Thomsen: Bass / Vocals
Tadeusz Rieckmann: Drums

Discography
How Far to Asgaard (2002)
Eric the Red (2003)
Ragnarok (2006)
Land (2008)
By the Light of the Northern Star (2009)
The Lay of Thrym (2011)
Valkyrja (2013)
Hel (2019)
Battle Ballads (2024)

ALBUM REVIEW – VULTURE

Vulture – Sentinels

Reviewed by: Blake Mossey

Review Score: 8

The German five-piece thrash band Vulture is releasing their fourth full-length album, Sentinels. For those unfamiliar with the band, expect a throwback to the early days of thrash, combined with their unique, and fresh ideas.

Brimming with rapid and intense riffs, lightning-fast guitar solos, and a relentless bass and drum barrage, the sound strongly reminds me of the early days of Exodus. This comparison comes largely from Steeler’s style of vocal delivery. Like many thrash bands, they strive to play with increasing speed and heaviness, yet they retain a knack for catchy choruses and demonstrate maturity in their songwriting.

Since their last album in 2021 Dealin’ Death they have played some big German metal festivals like Summer Breeze and Wacken. And in 2022 they joined Canadian Thrash Legends Exciter for a European tour.

This album delivers a rapid and intense experience, scarcely allowing a moment’s breath throughout its entirety. It decelerates slightly with the instrumental ‘Der Tod Trägt Schwarzes Leder,’ which features guitar parts reminiscent of Megadeth.

The remainder of the album features tempo and tonal shifts, yet it is predominantly played at a breakneck speed. The second track highlights Vulture‘s classic style with breakdowns, scorching solos, and rhythmic changes. Lyrically, the song draws inspiration from the Blind Dead Film Series, known for its insatiable bloodlust. ‘Realm Of The Impaler’ pays homage to their classic metal origins with abundant twin guitar harmonies.

My personal favorite tracks include the title track and the closing ‘Sentinels (Heavier Than Time),’ the stomping ‘Where There’s A Whip (There Is A Way),’ and the crowd participation anthem ‘Death Row.’ If you appreciate a nod to the old school ’80s thrash and are in need of some head-banging music, check out this album by Vulture.

Album available April 12th on Metal Blade Records.

Screams From The Abattoir
Unhallowed & Forgotten
Transylvania
Realm Of The Impaler
Draw Your Blades
Where There’s A Whip (There Is A Way)
Der Tod Trägt Schwarzes Leder
Death Row
Gargoyles
Oathbreaker
Sentinels (Heavier than Time)

Vulture:
L. Steeler – Vocals
S. Castevet – Guitar
M. Outlaw – Guitar
A. Axetinctör – Bass
G. Deceiver – Drums

Vulture discography:
Victim To The Blade (EP, 2016)
The Guillotine (LP, 2017)
Ghastly Waves & Battered Graves (LP, 2019)
Dealin´ Death (LP, 2021)
High Speed Metal (Single, 2022)
Sentinels (LP, 2024)

https://www.facebook.com/vulturekills
https://www.instagram.com/vulturekills/

https://vulturekills.bigcartel.com/
https://vulturekills.bandcamp.com/

ALBUM REVIEW – MORGUL BLADE

Morgul Blade – Heavy Metal Wraiths

Reviewed by: Blake Mossey

Review Score: 7

Morgul Blade, hailing from Philadelphia, PA, USA, presents their second studio album, Heavy Metal Wraiths. The band delivers classic metal infused with elements of black metal. The album conjures an image of the band wielding swords instead of guitars—until the first riffs tear through the silence. Their lyrics are a testament to their love for Tolkien’s lore.

Morgul Blade‘s debut album Fell Sorcery Abounds in 2021 swiftly garnered Album of the Year accolades across the metal scene. After its release, the band cemented its lineup by welcoming guitarist Sister Midnight and bassist Jimmy Viola.

From the opening riffs of the lead track ‘Eagle Strike,’ the influences of Maiden/Priest are immediately evident. The guitar melodies from Sister Midnight throughout the album distinctly echo Maiden. Lord Klauf’s vocals take on a gruffer and more gravelly tone. The band delves into classic black metal vibes, particularly in tracks like ‘Beneath The Black Sails’ and ‘Frostwyrm Cavalry.’ Elements of black metal, accompanied by blast beats, also find their way into ‘Razor Sharp.’

The band enjoys diversifying their music with various styles to maintain interest. The album features two instrumentals, ‘A Welcoming Hearth’ and the outro ‘The Last In A Line Of Kings’, which concludes the album. Additionally, the track ‘Widow’s Lament’ is slightly over 90 seconds long and showcases vocals accompanied by a droning background.

My two favorite tracks are ‘Spider God,’ which features thrashy moments and stands as one of the album’s heavier tracks with its rapid, pounding drums and an impressive solo that resonates with a power metal anthem. ‘Neither Cross Nor Crown’ is another intense track, showcasing galloping riffs and the raspy, sinister vocals of Lord Klauf.

The album is a solid power metal offering, infused with black metal elements and the more aggressive vocals that are not typically found in traditional power metal. Although it’s only 35 minutes long, which is shorter than I usually prefer, and includes two instrumentals that I could pass on, it remains a worthwhile album to explore.

Available April 26th on No Remorse Records.

TRACKLIST

Eagle Strike
Beneath the Black Sails
Heavy Metal Wraiths
Frostwyrm Cavalry
Widow’s Lament
Spider God
Razor Sharp
A Welcoming Hearth
Neither Cross Nor Crown
The Last in a Line of Kings

(playing time: 35:49 min.)

LINE-UP
Lord Klauf – Vocals, Guitar
Will Spectre – Drums, Production
Jimmy Viola – Bass, Guitar, Keyboards
Sister Midnight – Lead Guitars

ALBUM REVIEW – INGESTED

Ingested – The Tide Of Death And Fractured Dreams

Reviewed by: Jon Santitoro

Review score: 8.5

The UK has been sacred ground for extreme music since the birth of heavy metal in the 1970’s. From the humble beginnings of Black Sabbath, to BBC Radio host John Peel and the rise of Earache Records, the intertwined history of the British Isles and metal is long and epic.

Looking to carve their name into England’s hallowed metal history, Manchester’s Ingested have come crashing into ’24 with their latest release, The Tide of Death and Fractured Dreams. This impressive new album is well written and well produced; showcasing Ingested‘s powerful and precise approach to death metal that includes punishing grooves, subtle melodic accents and restrained use of clean vocals.

The opening track, ‘Paragon of Purity’, is a tight onslaught of savage guitar work and machine gun drumming, guaranteed to raise pulses. It’s a well-crafted opener that is perfectly placed here because it offers no hint at the varied sonic layers to come later in the album.

‘Endless Machine’ is a groove-laden bludgeoner which will be an excellent choice for the band’s live set. This one will be a definite crowd pleaser, and will no doubt have fans moshing like crazy. This track is tailor made for the pit.

The third track, ‘Where No Light Shines’, is the standout of the album; featuring brilliantly written and well-layered guitar work that captures the listener’s attention immediately. The riffs on this one are expectedly tight, and the breakdowns are heavy. This could be another one that translates really well to the live set. A true masterpiece.

‘Starve the Fire’ is an interesting track highlighted by it’s off-tempo riffing and subtle use of clean vocals. It’s unusual vibe provides an unexpected listening experience mid-way through the album.

A personal favorite is ‘Numinous’; an atmospheric instrumental piece reminiscent of 90’s era death metal when every band featured at least one instrumental on every album. The use of keyboards in the background give this track a “melo-death” feel, not unlike the Gothenburg bands of the mid to late 90’s.

‘Pantheon’ is another “made-for-the-pit” crusher, featuring a colossal breakdown in the NYDM/NYCHC vein. This one will undoubtedly have the listener stomping about the house and breaking things… which could prove problematic if they’re your things.

‘Kingdoms of Sand’ is another standout with great riffing, while ‘A Path Once Lost’ is an atmospheric closer which features clean vocals throughout, and an almost Industrial vibe to it.

Overall, The Tide Of Death And Fractured Dreams is a rock solid effort that is absolutely worthy of the UK’s legacy of great metal, and the members of Ingested should be extremely proud of the effort they’ve put into this album.

The Tide Of Death And Fractured Dreams is set to be released April 5, 2024 via Metal Blade Records.
Pre-Order Here.