Category: metal

Dennis van’t Hoofd – Top 15 Albums of 2023

The album I have been listening to the most this year is Shining’s self-titled twelfth album. It has the ugliest album cover art of the year, but the music is utterly dark and simply brilliant. I was looking forward to seeing them perform at Eindhoven Metal Meeting this year, but due to illness of renowned drummer Nicholas Barker they had to cancel their appearance.

With ‘How It Ends’ Ireland’s Primordial delivered a masterpiece of an album in September and they went on a co-headlining European tour with Paradise Lost in the Fall. I saw them perform at Beyond The Gates Festival in Norway in August and again in October in Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Germany’s Thron impressed me with their fourth studio album ‘Dust’ in March; They are Germany’s finest Black Metal outfit after the of split of countrymates Dark Fortress earlier this year.

Tulus have always been the black metal underdog of Norway. With their seventh studio album ‘Fandens Kall’ the three piece from Oslo deliver pure black energy as always. I also love the cover artwork for this album!

Norwegian avantgarde black metal veterans Dødheimsgard released their sixth full length album ‘Black Medium Current’ in April, I endlessly spinned this albums for weeks, and it left me in trance.

BandTitleCountryLabelRelease Date
ShiningShiningSweNapalm15-09-23
PrimordialHow It EndsIreMetal Blade29-09-23
ThronDustGerListenable Records31-03-23
TulusFandens KallNorSoulseller Records17-02-23
DodheimsgardBlack Medium CurrentNorPeaceville14-04-23
BizarrekultDen Tapte KrigenNorSeasons of Mist27-01-23
MemoriamRise To PowerUKReaper03-02-23
MardukMemento MoriSweCentury Media01-09-23
ImmortalWar Against AllNorNuclear Blast26-05-23
SammathGrebbebergNLHammerheart16-06-23
ImperishableCome, Sweet DeathSweHammerheart09-06-23
Sulphur AeonSeven Crowns and Seven SealsGerVán Records13-10-23
IncantationUnholy DeificationUSARelapse21-08-23
Night CrownedTalesSweNoble Demon10-11-23
GráLycaonSweAvantgarde Music13-01-23

Album Review: DEVILDRIVER

Dealing With Demons Volume II

Review Score: 8

Reviewed by: Jim Harrison

Groove metal kings , DevilDriver have returned releasing their much  anticipated second instalment of their Dealing With Demons saga with part II . This is their tenth full length album spanning an impressive career of over two decades. 

DWDII  continues where they left off in part I and is a much heavier album of the two . This album not only captures their signature groove metal vibe that they are known for but also incorporates thrash, hints of black/ death metal and has a definite punk influence sprinkled throughout it. Vocalist Dez Fafara’s  trademark voice is in top form and he is ferocious, not letting up, grabbing a hold of you right through to the last track. 

The opening track “ I have No Pity “ has that groove metal sound, very catchy and gets you started with a strong first track. This leads into “ Mantra”, which leads into a more darker sound, great digs and thundering kick drums. Track three “ Nothing Lasts Forever” gets you to think the pace is slowing only to  burst into some massive thrash riffs making it one of the heavier track on the album. The starting dual guitar riffs on “Summoning “ sends this track into a heavy groove that Dez really punches the vocals on , classic DeviDriver. “ Through The Depths” starts with a cool acoustic piece and than rips into heavy thrash leading into the next track “ Bloodbath” which is my favourite track on the album and is  a headbangers dream with those killer hooks and pounding drums, I can see this becoming a live show staple to their set list. “ It’s A Hard Truth” flows as the seventh track not letting up the vocals assault and leads into the track “ If Blood is Life” where Dez Fafara again showcases his strong vocals . This track again slows things down slightly than attacks with a vengeance, this is another track that would be a great addition to their live show.  The last track “ This Relationship is Broken “ ends the album on a high with another heavy track with the chorus repeating NO EASY WAY OUT.

This album is pure evidence that metal is alive and well in 2023 and not only will long time fans embrace this album but  this would also be a great introduction to their catalog for new fans. 

At just over 36 minutes long with nine tracks   The musicianship and vocals are fantastic and keeps the listener wanting more with the “ tweaking” of their groove metal formula and adding so many more metal elements really showcasing DevilDriver’s maturity and relevance. 

Dez Fafara- Vocals
Mike Spreitzer- Guitar 
John Miller- Bass
Alex Lee- Guitar 
Davier Perez- Drums 

2023 Album Reviews

Carnation - Cursed Mortality
Autopsy - Ashes, Organs, Blood and Crypts
Elm Street - The Great Tribulation
Berzerker Legion - Chaos Will Reign
Diamond Weapon - All Heart, No Sleeve
Howling Giant - Glass Future
Sadistic Force - Midnight Assassin
Marduk - Momento Mori
Restless Spirit - Afterimage
Skull & Crossbones - Sungazer
Kataklysm - Goliath
Asking Alexandria - Where Do We Go From Here
Dethklok - Dethalbum 4
Leather Duchess - Fatal Moon

Album Review: THE 69 EYES

Death of Darkness

Review Score: 8.5

Reviewed by: Georgina Strilakos

Helsinki legends The 69 Eyes, is a band with a truly distinctive vision. The group has finally released its highly anticipated new album, “Death of Darkness.” 

Renowned for their ability to blend classic rock with the darker tones of alternative metal and goth, the group’s latest album offers ten thrilling tracks that capture the pure essence of Goth’N’Roll in a way that no other band can. Despite being on the scene for over 30 years, The 69 Eyes continue to impress with a record that draws inspiration from a variety of musical influences. From gothic glam to post-punk, there are no limits to the group’s creativity. While the album boasts some unforgettable riffs, the music is surprisingly upbeat and groovy, adding a sunny touch to the otherwise gothic vibe.

The 69 Eyes also pay tribute to the local Finnish music scene with a cover of “Gotta Rock” by Boycott – a classic that is sure to delight fans of Finnish rock music. With this album, The 69 Eyes once again prove that they are masters of their genre. Each song is a rollercoaster ride of emotions that only gets better with every listen. Fans and critics alike consider this the best album from the band in years, and it is easy to see why! The production of the album has a very modern flair to it. Still, there is room for many retro-inspired tones, including chorused guitars and crooned vocals with an old-school vibe.

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