Just last week, the sixth studio album and follow up to “Deliver Us” ("The Eternal Return") for D.C. natives Darkest Hour dropped at the 104th spot on U.S. popular music charts. Darkest Hour has done quite well at staying fresh and reinventing themselves enough but not too much. Usually anything these guys touch is gold, but this new album fell a little short for me.

DevilDriver is back again with the new album Pray For Villians (2009). The album contains most of the pieces you would find in a DevilDriver album. All the band members pieces are there, but there's something missing in the DevilDriver Pray for Villains album.

I spent the better part of the weekend reading Harry Potter and listening to various new albums from several different bands. Born of Osiris's sophomore release, "A Higher Place" didn't have a ton more to offer than their first album--that's not to say that it was bad. I quite enjoyed it, I just couldn't escape the feeling of "been here before". The whole crew are all talented at their instruments and I was happy to see the addition of more riffs as well as a remake of some older stuff. Here's "Exist", the seventh track of of their latest release.

The Kris Norris Projekt

Not too long ago, I reviewed Darkest Hour’s newest CD and was left wondering where all the metal went. Well, fear not, I was able to find it. Recently departed, and arguably the metal of the band, Kris Norris, just released a solo album under the name, The Kris Norris Projekt. (Read Kis Norris Projekt)

 To date Oceano only has one full length studio album but it garnered enough attention to earn them a spot on the Thrash and Burn Tour. Along side legends DevilDriver and Despised Icon, Oceano has toured the country this summer kicking ass and taking names along the way. Here is "Disgust For Your Kind" off of their freshman album "Depths."  Click the link to check out Ocean Tour Dates.

In note worthy news The Black Dahlia Murder have a new album on the way, "Deflorate."  Set to be released September 15th, "Deflorate", is the first album to feature new guitarist Ryan Knight, who replaced John Kempainen.  Singer Trevor Strnad has stated in an interview that the album has more of a "classic feel" and that the drums have more of a "live sound." Today is your lucky day kids, because we have an exclusive track from that album for you to feast you ears on.

Here is a brand new song from Scar Symmetry that has leak out to the internet for all of us to hear called The Consciousness Eaters.  This song is part of their new album entitled: Dark Matter Dimensions.  There is a small change to this album, from their past ones,  their old singer Christian Älvestam has parted ways and has been replaced by two singers Roberth Karlsson and Lars Palmqvist. 

Next month on September 15th, Buffalo natives Every Time I Die will release their fifth studio album "New Junk Aesthetic" on the world. According to a recent interview with Kerrang!, singer Keith Buckley said that through out the album is a sort of big brother/hidden camera/watcher motif..... creepy. We were able to snag a little taste test and we are passing that sweet chocolate milk shake to you. This is "Wanderlust" the fourth track on the album.  You can also watch a crappy video with a download link here.

Enjoy Kids!

Behemoth Ov Fire And The Void is a new song off of their new album "Evangelion."  Behemoth has been known for their deep black metal with heathen lyrical content.   And not much has changed in this new album.  The only thing that has changed is Behemoth has moved up a level of quality in this album more than any of their other albums.  So for you Behemoth death metal fans, here is Ov Fire And The Void.

3 Inches Of Blood Battles and Brotherhood is a new song from their new album coming out September 8th 2009 entitled Here Waits Thy Doom.  This song has everything you would expect out of 3 Inches Of Blood.  Fast riffs, beats and classic rock vocals.  Oh there will be "Blood Shed, Death and Vengeance is Glorious."  Watch for 3 Inches of Blood on tour with In Flames, Between The Buried And Me and Faceless.

Well I've got to give credit to the swamp monster wrestling, scorpion kissing boys of Collin Creek for one thing... They have stumped me.  Usually a man never short on words, I have probably tried to sit down to write this damned review for a week and I still haven't been able to put into words this style of music. 

(Read More Collin Creek)

Arkaea is a new developed band with familiar members. Christian Olde Wolbers (guitar) and Raymond Herrera (drum) from “Fear Factory” and Jon Howard (vocal) and Pat Kavanaugh (bass) from “Threat Signal” have joined forces to create album entitled Years In the Darkness.

Cleveland, OH deathcore band Salt The Wound just announced their new album "Ares". "Ares" is the second full-length album from Salt The Wound due out September 15, 2009 through Rotten Records. Or if you are luck enough to catch them playing in Cleveland at the Grog Shop on August 29, they are giving out a limited number of their new CD two weeks in advance.

Insomnium is a Finnish melodic death metal band, who with their fourth studio album have further proved that they are a band that will not be going anywhere for a while. "Across the Dark" offers the same melancholic, symphony of life and loss fans have come to expect from Insomnuim with enough fresh material and progression for the band to have a truly stand out album. Clocking in at just over 45 minuets , "Across the Dark" is an absolute delight from spacey, ethereal beginning to epically punishing ending.  Recommended for fans of In Flames and Dark Tranquillity. 

Ensiferum’s new album “From Afar”, dropped today and it has rock our world and speakers over here at Metal Call-Out.  Mixed by H.I.M producer Kai "Hiili" Hiilesmaa, and featuring a Normad cover (special edition only), “From Afar” is a heroically solid and all around enjoyable folk metal release. In support of their new album, Ensiferum will be hitting the road in November with Ex Deo, Blackguard, and Swashbuckle(!). Go pick up this record today! 

Click here for tour dates.

 The new Despised Icon album, “Day of Mourning” dropped today, despite reading three times over that “they made a leap towards traditional metal” I really just don't hear it. If a few less pig squealed “breee’s” and a few more riffs means that they are a not a death-core band anymore than sure, I just don't foresee this album winning the band over very many new fans the way Job for a Cowboy’s “Ruination” did them.

Blackguard is just good, I really don’t know what else to say about this Canadian Folk Metal outfit than that. Blackguard is able to blend elements of death, power, and Scandinavian folk metals to deliver a record (Profugus Mortis) that redefines the folk metal genre.  Being their first major label release, I am excited to see what the future holds for this outfit. Here is “This Rounds on Me” from their album Profugus Mortis. Be sure to check out Blackguard on tour this winter with Ensiferum, Ex Deo, and Hypocrisy. Dates here.

Due out in November, Nile’s sixth studio album “Those Whom the Gods Detest” (Nuclear Blast), is posed to be the bands best and most epic work to date. Formed in 1993 in South Carolina, Nile has been hard at work ever since perfecting their Egyptian themed metal with blistering riffs and Middle Eastern inspired melodies. According to a post on the band's message board, they are planning to release a "making of" documentary covering the rehearsals, preproduction and studio sessions of the “Those Whom the Gods Detest”. Take a listen to the third track on “Those”, "Utterances of the Crawling Dead" and be sure to go pick up the album November 3rd. 

I found out an interesting fact today; Hypocrisy’s lead songer/guitarist Peter Tägtgren owns a village called Pärlby, three hours north of Stockholm. Random, I know, but interesting none-the-less. Hypocrisy has been making music since some of you young readers were in diapers. They are good, and if you don’t agree you are wrong. Their 11th studio album “ A Taste of Extreme Divinity”, finds the band coming around to more melodic elements and mature lyrical content. “A Taste” is due out October 23rd in Europe and November 3rd in the US so start saving your pennies. Just because I’m cool like that I am going to let you have a little listen to one of the new tracks “Global Domination” well before you can get the album in stores. Enjoy. 

I told you Megadeth’s new album was awesome , and  the world agrees. MEGADETH's, "Endgame", has registered the following first-week chart positions around the world:

Sleeping in Gethsemane
From: Fargo, North Dakota, USA

Albums: “The Great White North” (2007), “Burrows: (2009)

Sleeping in Gethsemane is an experimental, instrumental band featuring Brandon S. on Bass, Shane H. on Drums and Brandon L. on Guitar. Sleeping in Gethsemane has released two albums as of April 7th, 2009. The first being “The Great White North” in 2007 and the latest 2009 release “Burrows” available  through INIT Records.

SIG is a wonderfully diverse and talented post metal/hardcore band in the vein of Mouth of the Architect and Pelican. “Burrows” is an album that needs to be listened to from beginning to end to grasp the full scope of the bands diversity. 

Links: www.myspace.com/sleepingingethsemane

Greta Knights
From: Gatineau, Quebec, Canada

Albums:  “Trance Formers” (2009)

A melodic "Techno/Nintendo" deathcore band, Greta Knights is a 3 piece with Remi on Vocals, Shawn on Guitars/Synthesizer, and Pat on Percussion. Greta Knights has one album “Trance Formers” self-released in 2009

Greta Knights is a wonderfully fun, if not some times over the top band that not only created a genre, but cornered it. For fans of 1000 Dead Rabbits, Sky Eats Airplane, Horse the Band, 8-bit and Nintendo.

 Links: http://www.myspace.com/gretaknights

Disarmonia Mundi From: Turin, Italy   Discography:  “ Nebularium” (2001),  “Fragments of D-Generation” (2004), “Mind Tricks” (2006),  “The Restless Memoirs” (2009), “The Isolation Game” (November 2009)   Disarmonia Mundi is a melodic -death metal band that has its roots in progressive metal. DM was founded in early 2000 by Ettore Rigotti.  The Band has gone through numerous line up changes its current members are:   Ettore Rigotti- Guitar/ Drums/ Clean Vocals/ Bass/ Keyboards Cladio Ravinale- Gothic Vocals/ Keyboards   In November of 2009 the band will release its fifth studio album “The Isolation Game” on Scarlet Records.    Disarmonia Mundi is an ever progressing, ever evolving group with more talent packed into their two bodies than far too many bands have in their entire line up. Their albums shift and change with every turn making them enjoyable and attention grabbing releases, each more so than the last. For fans of progressive death metal, Blinded Colony and Scar Symmetry.   Links: www.myspace.com/disarmoniamundi

 On October 27, 2009 Chicago natives, Pelican will release their fourth studio album "What We All Came To Need". We got an advance copy and can only say that Pelican is well intact and still making their excellent blend of doom/post-metal and rock with pop sensibilities. While the band probably wont make any new fans with this record, old fans will be pleased with the light progression and as always über-creativity of the band. Take a listen to "Ephemeral" from the album "What We All Came To Need".

Eternal Tears of Sorrow
From: Pudasjärvi, Finland

Discography: Sinner’s Serenade (1997), “Vida Mannu” (1998), “Chaotic Beauty” (2000),  “A Virgin and a Whore” (2001), “Before the Bleeding Sun” (2006), “Children of the Dark Waters” (2009)   Eternal Tears of Sorrow is a melodic-death metal band with roots in gothic metal heavily influenced by romance and loss. The band was formed in 1994 and after a series of line up changes has the following members:   Altti Vetelainen- Vocals/ Bass Jarmo Kylmanen- Clean Vocals Jarmo Poulakanaho- Guitar Mika Lammasssaari- Guitar Janne Tolsa- Keyboards Juho Raappana- Drums   EToS is currently signed to Finish record label Suomen Musiikki.   Eternal Tears of Sorrow is an all around great melodeath band made for those gloomy days in life. Without their bruiting and and somewhat depressive, gothic-ized take on the genera, they just wouldn't be the same. This is for fans of Kalmah and Insmonium, and yes i did make up the word “Gothic-ized”, you own me money if you use it.    Links: www.myspace.com/eternaltearsofsorrow

Ahab
From: Munich, Germany

Discography: “The Stream” Demo (2004), “The Oath” (2005), “The Call of the Wretched  Sea” (2006), “The Divinity of Oceans” (2009)   Ahab is a funeral doom metal band founded in 2004. The band takes its name and lyrical themes from the legendary Captian Ahab of Moby Dick. Ahab is currently signed to Napalm Records and features the following members:   Danial Droste- Guitar, Vocals Christian Hector- Guitar Stephan Wandernorth- Bass Cornulius Althammer- Drums   Ahab has immensely talented song writers both lyrically and musically. Their new album (“The Divinity of Oceans”) has pretty much been on repeat here, and with the winter months ahead everybody needs a little doom metal on their ipod. For fans of  Evoken, Asunder, and Mournful Congregation.   Links: www.myspace.com/ahabdoom

Viatrophy
From: South Reding, United Kingdom

Discography: “Viatrophy” (2009)   Viatrophy is a death metal/core band that formed in 2005. They are currently signed to Candlelight Records and tour relentlessly. The bands line up is:   Gavin Thane- Bass John Jones- Guitar Gurneet Ahluwalla- Guitar Adam Mayers- Vocals Craig Reynolds- Drums   Viatrophy is a metal band with something to prove, and a welcome change from the norm in the genre. One thing that struck me was the bands ability to stand out with the use of atmospheric elements that helps release you from the otherwise awesome grip of unrelentless music. Check them out if you like The Black Dahlia Murder, Bleed From Within, or The Eyes of a Traitor.   Links: www.myspace.com/viatrophy

Hypocrisy From: Sweden   Discography: “Penetralia” (1992), “Osculum Obscenum (1993), “The Fourth Dimension” (1994), “Abducted” (1996), “The Final Chapter” (1997), “Hypocrisy” (1999), “Into The Abyss “(2000), “Catch 22” (2002), “The Arrival” (2004), “Virus” (2005), “Catch 22 (V2.0.08)” (2008), “A Taste of Extreme Divinity” (2009)   Hypocrisy is a death metal band that was formed in 1990. They are currently signed to Nuclear Blast Records and have twelve albums, four EPs, and numerous tours under their belts. The bands lyrics have typically dealt with aliens and abductions, however in 2005’s “Virus”, the lyrics took to a more “death metal” direction with songs about death, war and emotional struggles.  Current line up is:   Peter Tagtgren- vocals, guitar, and synthesizer Mikkael Hedlund- bass Reidar Horghagen- drums   What could I possibly say about Hypocrisy to do them justice? They are a classic and like a fine wine, get better with age. The death metal genre would not be the same with out Hypocrisy’s influence, and ability to stand the test of time. Their latest album, “A Taste of Extreme Divinity”, is a brilliant work of art, for fans of At the Gates and Bloodbath.   Links: www.hypocrisy.tv

Such Vengeance From: Orem, Utah   Discography: “The Time Is Now” (2009)   Such Vengeance is a death/thrash metal band formed in May of 2008. Their debut album,“The Time Is Now” was self recorded, produced and distributed. SV is:   Ian Eskelson - Vocals Derrick Dennert - Guitar Conor Papineau - Guitar Josh Hone - Bass Eric Watson – Drums   Such Vengeance really surprised me when I first put their CD in. I have a really nasty habit of not expecting much when it comes to local (Utah) bands, and this is the second time I have had to pull my foot out of my mouth. SV ‘s album is one that comes from a group who’s dedicated is to music and not “the scene”. SV is a stand out act amongst a plethora of bands that seem to only have it in their mind to be the next ____(whatever). Such Vengeance is the next Such Vengeance. If you live in Utah, go pick up one of their CDs at a Greywhale location, if you are from out of state, there is a link at the bottom.   Links: www.myspace.com/389800008   CD: www.cdbaby.com/cd/SuchVengeance

Exivious From: Noord-Brabant, Netherlands   Discography: “Exivious” (2009)   Exivious is a fusion-metal band featuring members of Cynic and Textures. The band released their first album “Exivious” independently in digipack limited to 1000 numbered copies with their own unique artwork. Exivious is:   Tymon- guitar Michel Niehuis- guitar Robin Zielhorst- bass Stef Broks- drums   I never heard of “fusion-metal” before Exivios- in fact I imagine they made the term up to suit their newfound hybrid baby. Not smoky enough to be jazz, not lazy enough to be lounge, not aggressive enough to call themselves metal, and yet they are all of the above. Exivious isn’t on another level - Exivious is another level. This is for open-minded fans of progressive metal, or those that enjoy the sounds of Animals as Leaders.   Links: www.myspace.com/exivious

Seawolves                               From: Switzerland   Discography: “Dragonships Set Sail” (2009)   Seawolves is a Nordic influenced death metal band. Founded is 2004, Seawolves is currently signed to Heavy Horses Records. There are only two listed members as of now:   Roman Friedrich Sebastian Jehle   Information on Seawolves is pretty scarce at the moment, what we do know is that in 2009 they put out a kick-ass record that sounds like early Amon Amarth with the added depth of a violin. We will bring you more information as we have it.   Links: www.myspace.com/seawolves793  

Be’lakor From: Melbourne, Australia
  Discography: “The Frail Tide” (2007), “Stones Reach” (2009)   Be’lakor is a melodic death metal band with symphonic elements. Be’lakor takes their name from a daemon in the Warhammer Fantasy tabletop game and explores themes such as nature and paganism through their lyrics. After the release of their first album Be’lakor took to the road and toured across Australia. Be’lakor is:   George Kosmas- vocals/ guitar Shaun Sykes- guitar John Richardson-bass Steve Merry- keyboards Jimmy Broeck- drums   On my first listen to Be’lakor I was hooked. Their latest effort “Stones Reach” is a giant undertaking, expertly executed and utterly unforgettable. Far too few bands could pull off an album as inspired and daring as “Stones Reach”. Go get this album immediately. Be’lakor will appeal to fans of Insomnium and Skyfire.  

Three's new album, "Revisions" dropped yesterday sans much fanfare. Last month was marked with great metal releases a-plenty and though this month wasn't quite so marked, we saw the release of both Three's and Between The Buried and Me's anticipated albums. I am not going to bother  mentioning   Atreyu's, "Congregation of the 'Wankers'" and Between the Buried and Me's release was just 'ok' for me so I decided to give the much under appreciated, Three, a top spot. Go buy this album, Three is on top of their game and you wont be disappointed. 

Forest Stream From: Russia   Discography: “Tears of Mortal Solitude” (2003), “The Crown Of Winter” (2009)   Forest Stream is a symphonic black / doom metal band. Signed to Candlelight Records in 2007, Forest Stream’s style is heavily influenced by the harsh Russian winters as well as Norwegian black metal. Forest Stream is:   Sonm the Darkest- vocals Wizard Omin- guitars Tyrant Moloch- bass Berserk- guitars Elhekka- keyboards Kir- drums   Forest Stream’s depressive “doom and gloom” style is cold enough to chill you to the bone. Their second album, “The Crown Of Winter” is what ultimately sold me on this band. Choosing a departure from the doom/goth metal “norm”, “The Crown” incorporates elements of experimental metal- a testament to the bands creativity. If you like Wine From Tears or Forest of Shadows, give Forest Stream a listen. 

Amorphis From: Finland   Discography: “The Karelian Isthums” (1992), Tales From the Thousand Lakes” (1994), “Elegy” (1996), “Tuonela” (1999), “Am Universum” (2001), “Far From The Sun” (2003), “Eclipse” (2006), “Silent Waters” (2007), “Skyforger” (2009)   Amorphis started as a melodic death metal band, but in more recent years their style incorporates elements of progressive and doom metal. Formed in 1990, Amorphis recorded four studio albums with vocalist Pasi Koskinen. In 2004 after recording “Far From The Sun”, Pasi left the band. Vocalist Tomi Joutsen of Sinsthra then joined the band and aided in the bands increasingly progressive shift into more diverse styles. The most current line up of Amorphis is:   Tomi Joutsen- vocals Esa Holopainen- guitar Tomi Koivusaari- guirar Niclas Etlavuori- bass Santeri Kallio- keyboards Jan Rechberger- drums   I love Amorphis because its kind of like getting two bands in one. From 1992-2003 you have a very progressive, hateful, melodic death metal band that showed steady betterment through the years and helped define a genre. Then from 2006’s “Eclipse” on you have a more defined, groundbreaking, Kalevala inspired work of progressive metal awesomeness. Got out and get “Tales From The Thousand Lakes” then “Skyforger” then everything in between. Amorphis will attract fans of Sentenced, Katatonia and Insomnium. 

Skyfire From: Hoor, Sweden   Discography: “Timeless Departure” (2001), “Mind Revolution” (2003), “Spectral” (2004), “Esoteric”(2009)   Skyfire is a melodic death metal band that has roots in other styles such as symphonic and progressive metals. Formed in 1995, Skyfire was signed to Dutch label Hammerheart Records until 2008 when they signed to Pivotal a three record deal the first being 2009’s “Esoteric”.   Skyfire’s first three albums really stand out to me as solid, no muss records. From “Timeless” to “Spectral”, the band offered their listeners consistency and showcased their skills at creating albums as whole works of art. 2009’s “Esoteric saw both a change in line up and style for Skyfire. The new vocalists style is reminiscent of that of Dark Tranquility’s Mikael Stanne, while the instrumentals take on a more symphonic and slower approach. To be honest and risk being cliché- I prefer Skyfire’s old stuff, but I think “Esoteric” will not disappoint fans.

Links: http://www.myspace.com/skyfiremusic 

Finsterforst From: Germany   Discography: “Weltenkraft” (2007), “…zum Tode hin” (2009)   Finsterforst, meaning “Dark Forrest”, is a epic folk metal band formed in 2004. In December 2006 Worldchaos Production signed Finsterforst to their label and released the bands first LP. Finsterforst is:   Marco Schomas- vocals Simon Schillinger- guitar David Schuldis- guitar Tobias Weinreich-bass Cornelius Heck- drums Sebastian Scherrer- keyboards Johannes Joseph- accordian   Finsterforst showed great promise from the start of their career as, posed to be the ‘next great folk metal band’. 2009’s “…zum Tode hin” was a highly anticipated by the horde of folk-fanatics I know, and did not disappoint. Clocking in at over an hour, “…zum Tode hin” is a five track melodic, folky, mash up, masterpiece. I don’t know what else to tell you- go buy their discography.  For fans of: Wolfchant, KromleK, and Finntroll.   Links: www.myspace.com/finsterforst

The Black Dahlia Murder From: USA   Discography:  “Unhallowed” (2003), “Miasma” (2005), “Nocturnal” (2007), “Deflorate” (2009)   Formed in early 2001, The Black Dahlia Murder after releasing one demo and one EP, signed to Metal Blade Records in 2003. Battling numerous line-up changes and session musicians through out their eight years, the only remaining original members of The Black Dahlia Murder are Trevor Strnad- vocals, and Brian Eschbach- guitar. Rounding out the line up is:   Ryan Knight- guitar (ex- Arsis) Ryan Williams- bass Shannon Lucas- drums (ex-All That Remains)   Honestly I’m a sick of the ongoing debate about just what kind of metal The Black Dahlia Murder is. Upon first hearing them years ago, I thought they were a melodic death metal band and my opinion remains un-changed. Lets hear it from the man himself though, Trevor Strnad relates to pyromusic.com: "I've always said that we're melodic death metal. We are mostly influenced by Swedish bands and Carcass. The heavy end of our sound is the American style creeping in, with some Floridian influences like Morbid Angel, Malevolent Creation and that kind of stuff. We've been labeled more often because of our look than our sound, which is dumb, and speaks volumes about what kind of geniuses are out there!"   There you have it.  For fans of: The aforementioned bands, At The Gates, (new) Job For a Cowboy, Entombed.   Links: www.myspace.com/blackdahliamurder            

Mulligan From: Chino Hills, California   Discography: N/A- album due tentatively summer 2010   Mulligan is a one-man alternative metal band from California that I came across through his myspace page. I would relate his music as sort of a throw back to older groove metal bands, likening it at first to early Korn and later picking up elements of thrash, gothic and industrial sounds. Mulligan is responsible of everything on his recordings drums, bass, guitar, vocals, samples, mixing, and mastering.   Make no mistake abut it- what Mulligan does takes talent and drive virtually unknown to me. A labor of love, Mulligan’s recordings are all unique and progressive. I think most of you will join me in being excited to see what a full-length brings. If any of you readers see SparksFury or I at shows hit us up for some free stickers provided by Mulligan, or head over to his myspace where he gives them out, and help spread the word about this California musician.   Links: www.myspace.com/mulliganmusick

Gwynbleidd From: NY, USA   Discography: “Nostalgia” (2009)   Gwynbleidd has a really annoying name to type out and plays a mix of progressive death and black metal, with obvious folk influences. Signed to The End Records, Gwynbleidd is:   Michal- guitar/clean vox Maciej- guitar/growling vox Jakub-bass Adam drums   There has been quite a bit of media attention for Gwynbleidd, namely because “they sound so much like Opeth” or ‘they sound European” or whatever. While I cannot deny the similarity with Opeth, Gwynbleidd betters the group’s formula with more metal than prog. Not to mention, and I hate to say this, but Gwynbleidd’s ‘metal’ is somehow much more convincing than any I have heard from Opeth since “Blackwater Park”. Their ‘prog’ is fresh and diverse, not overbearing and without doubt is not the main attraction. So don’t get too hung up on the similarities or you might miss out on what a truly talented band, and great album have to offer. For fans of… well you know.

Links: www.myspace.com/gwynbleidd 

Astral Winter From: Australia   Discography: “Illustrations of Death” (2009), “Winter Enthroned” (2010-expected)   Astral Winter is a two man black-metal band formed in 2008 attached to the Immortal Frost Productions label. Astral Winter is:   Josh- all instruments/programming/composition Phil- Vocals   I first stumbled across Astral Winter by way of their myspace page, where they were giving out their EP for free download. This young bands self-described ‘epic black metal’ immediately impressed me, and within the first few moments of listening they hooked a listener for life. Josh, who is responsible for composing and recording all the instruments displays the prowess of a seasoned songwriter, while vocalist Phil hatefully spits over the melodies accompanied only by a choral back track. Astral Winter is a must listen for fans of Gravsorg or Summoning.   Links: www.myspace.com/astralwinter0

Nastrandir

From: Germany Discography: “Zwischen Horizonten” (2007) “Prayer to Earth” (2009)   Formed in 2006 Nastrandir is a six-piece, pagan-metal band currently signed to Twilight Vetrleb.  Nastrandir’s lyrics typically revolve around Norse-mythology and Viking-lore. Nastrandir is:   Grimnir- vocals/bass/guitars Jjoelnir- guitar Nordavind- guitar Vidir- keyboards Grummbuts- bass Ragnar- drums/violin   Raise your heathen fist to the sky, Nastrandir is a pulsing, lo-fi Viking good time. Their use of choir backtracks and violin melodies to accent their blend of epic folk metal is in the same vein as Seawolves, yet original and all their own. 2009’s ‘Prayer To Earth’ saw the band heading in a new direction experimenting more with elements of progressive metal and spiritual themes lyrically. Impressively mature for such a young band, ‘Prayer’ is their best album for me and the first 1000 pressings come as a limited digipack with a Bathory (!) cover bonus track. Nastrandir has good things in their future.   Links: www.myspace.com/nastrandirmetal

When Synestesia’s Feeniks dropped earlier this year I hadn’t so much as heard of this band--let alone have been able to predict how much I would enjoy this album.

Though the lyrics of this album are in Finnish, I am told it is a concept record about a man unhappy with himself who decided to recreate himself from the ashes of his old self.   ...read on

Disarmonia Mundi is an Italian band that pound for pound has consistently released solid albums and ‘The Isolation Game’ (due out December 9th) is no exception.  Having not seen much new material from the band since 2006’s  ‘Mind Tricks’, fans will be please to have something, anything new to plug in. But don’t get too excited—while ‘Isolation...’ is a stable record here I sit, three tracks into my second listening and I am board. There is a collective of bands ie; Soilwork, Scar Symmetry, Blinded Colony and Disarmonia Mundi that since the 90s and despite the fact they boast some very talented musicians and song writing- just keep releasing the same stuff. I don’t mind checking it out- however, there are just so many innovative, groundbreaking melodic-death metal bands out there, that I am left to question, why should I listen to this album? Well, I probably wont.

Swallow the Sun From: Finland Discography: “The Morning Never Came” (2003), “Ghosts of Loss” (2005), “Hope” (2009), “New Moon” (2009)   Swallow the Sun is a melodic death/doom metal band currently signed to Spinefarm Records. Swallow the Sun is:   Matti Honkonen- bass Markus Jamsen- guitar Mikko Kotamaki- vocals Aleksi Munter- keyboards Juha Raivio- guitar   Apparently, Swallow the Sun is huge in Finland, with their single “Forgive Her…” peaking out at number 4 on the Finnish Top 20 singles charts. Here stateside, there is significantly less fanfare, which is a crying shame being that Swallow the Sun is a band worthy of much more American appreciation. 2007’s “Hope and 2009’s “New Moon”, are shining examples of simply great records. Impressive production, composition, and musicianship brew strong- and what culminates is a band with longevity and purpose, not to mention a very happy Deathscript. Fans of melodic metal rejoice, Swallow the Sun is here, and has been for sometime.   For fans of: Novembers Doom, Hanging Garden

Gama Bomb From: Ireland   Discography: “Survival of the Fastest” (2006), “Citizen Brain” (2008), “Tales From the Grave In Space” (2009)   Gama Bomb is a thrash metal band currently signed to Earache Records. On Earache they released their latest album completely free to download on November 5th.   Gama Bomb is: Phillly Byrne- vocals Joe McGuigan-bass Luke Graham- guitar Domo Dixon- lead guitar Paul Caffrey- drums   Gama Bomb makes pretty straight up fast and furious thrash in the vein of old school acts like Municipal Waste. Go download their album you have nothing to loose… except becoming a raging ‘thrashaholic’! Lame joke, I know, I saw the opening and I went for it. But if you like the thrash revival scene- theses guys wont disappoint.   Links: www.myspace.com/gamabomb   Album Download: www.earache.com/gamabomb

Wrapping up an eight-hour day of plowing through a sonic swamp of music, I received an EP from Jeremy Mauney, (one-half of the electro-black metal outfit Nutrition) “Hyperdimensional Awakening”.  Nutrition was birthed in early 2009, when ex-Detritum’s vocalist and songwriter Jeremy Mauney and video game composer Roland La Goy, exchanged ideas about a band utilizing elements like 80’s sci-fi synths, lyrical themes of extraterrestrials and conspiracies coinciding with a healthy dose of classic, hateful black metal.  As far-fetched as this project may seem, it’s still not nearly as far-fetched as it actually sounds.  ...read on

Formed in Germany in 1994, first known as Gloyfication, SuidAkrA changed their name by spelling the name of their vocalist (Arkadius) backwards.  Shortly after they released their demo 'Dawn' in 1995.  While hipster journalists would have you believe folk metal is a ‘fad posed to die out soon’, fast-forward 14 years to present day and SuidAkrA stands strong with eight full length albums and a ‘greatest hits collection’ they show no sign of slowing down.  Their latest work, Crógacht, is a concept record.  It's a musical tale of the hero Cuchulainn, and his journey to the Isle of Sky where he seeks to know the art of war. Big as the story sounds, the record captures the essence of a Celtic journey and a battle tale to mythical proportions… read on

Aeternitas From: Australia   Discography: ‘Holocaust Of Reason’ EP (2009)   Aeternitas is a symphonic metal band formed in early 2008. In late 2009, the band released their debut EP ‘Holocaust Of Reason’ recorded at Studio Anders Debeerz. Aeternitas is:   Sam Phillips- vocals Nathan Riedel- guitars Mitch Ketter- guitars Jay Coulter- drums Phil- keyboards   Aeternitas took it home when we asked our last.fm group members what  their favorite album of 2009 was. As a fairly young band, Aeternitas, since their inception, wowed audiences and open-minded critics alike. While I can’t pinpoint what it is exactly makes ‘Holocaust Of Reason’ so special, other than that it is refreshing... I can tell you that its worth more than the quick brush-over it has been given for the most part. This year’s ‘Best of ‘09’ lists were no more than underground popularity contests that, despite their contradicting nature, were pined over too long and suspiciously  bands like Aeternitas were absent. Despite not having the backing of a multi-million dollar label, Aeteritas put out one of the best albums of ’09.   Links: http://www.myspace.com/aeternitasmetal

Not too long ago I was able to get in touch with Simon of Germany's own folk masters Finsterforst, to ask some questions about the new record, touring and being down a singer. We will post the interview sometime next week, probably Tuesday, so keep your eyes peeled.  In the mean time enjoy the track 'Urquell' from Finsterforst's latest, '...zum Tode hin' and have a great weekend!

I like the idea of it, but I have never really been able to get behind Epica. I am not much of a clean vocals fan, except when used as accents or in doom. So, when Czech symphonic-metal band, Arch of Hell came recommended to me from a good friend, it was a heaven (or hell) sent. You see, Arch of Hell takes all the epic-y goodness of Epica, strong female vocals and symphonic keys then adds a healthy dash of harsh vocals, tones down the pop-production and leaves the rest of the commercial crap behind them. I couldn't ask for more. They are not shy, however, about their affinity for drawing influence from Epica, stating them as one on their myspace page.

 I have been listening to a lot of Arch Of Hell lately and believe me when I say they will silence all the gothic/symphonic (whatever you want to call it) doubters. They certainty worked their magic on me. Arch of Hell's 2009 album, 'One Day' is available here.

How good are Sundays? Would you call them Nile good? Or maybe just Karl Sanders side project good? For this Sunday's Stream I am going to pull out all the stops and say it's going to be Nile good. So, from Nile's 2009 album 'Those Whom The Gods Detest', enjoy 'Kafir' then get out there and enjoy the last day of the weekend. 

 I can finally scratch While Heaven Wept off my list of "bands to check out" today, thanks in part to the urging of a reader who I talk music with, and them slowly climbing to the top of said list. The album I started with was the one I heard most about, 2009's 'Vast Oceans Lachrymose'. Traditional and artfully packaged doom, 'Vast Oceans Lachrymose', took absolutely no getting used to and its listener friendly, approachable styling doesn't seek to alienate fans of the band and genre alike, but reenforce them. While Heaven Wept was the perfect "hump-day buster" for me, so I share. Press play to hear 'Vessel' the fourth track on 'Vast Oceans Lachrymose', available here for just $9! 

 Most people would not categorize Germany's Neun Welten as a metal band... and they would be right. Still, Neun Welten has appealed to the heavy metal community since their inception in 2005. Perhaps best described as instrumental folk music for metal-heads, by metal-heads, Neun Welten, whilst keeping in tact metal sensibilities offers listeners a break from the day to day sensory overload we sometimes put ourselves through.  Their latest album, "Destrunken", is for the most part exactly what fans  have come to expect from the band, which is not at all a bad thing. If you are suffering from 'beingstuckinarutitis', overloaded with sub par, filler bands you can't tell apart- then Neun Welten is just what the doctor ordered. Similar artists: Kauan, Tenhi.

Opeth has all but given into being just a progressive band and in their wake, some fans are left scratching their heads.  Their recent contribution to the ‘God of War’ soundtrack--one where most bands involved are releasing some of their heavier material (see Trivium)--was lacking... to say the least.

So when the dust gets swept off and artists and fans have gone their ways, where will Opeth lay?  And who will fill the void they left?  In my humble opinion I believe most people who are fans of Opeth (especially the die-hards) will follow that band to the grave, even if it is with less intensity as before.  I think fans looking for early Opeth-ish metal material can find it in Gwynbleidd, a New York band that stormed onto the scene in 2009 with the release of their debut album 'Nostalgia'.  Gwynbleidd has been compared to Opeth up and down.  Truth be told, the reason for this is because.....they really do sound like Opeth.  That is not such a bad thing, especially right now with some fans feeling alienated from them and searching for something new. 

So, If you like Opeth, give Gwynbleidd a try.  To say they sound ‘exactly like Opeth’ or that they are ‘rip-offs’ would be a grave injustice to both of the extremely talented groups of musicians.  Similar as they may be, both have their merits. 

After a jaunt through New Zealand, Australia, and Japan, Isis has returned to the US and announced tour dates for May and June. The Los Angeles based post-metal band will also be making a stop to play the Bonnaroo Festival in Tennessee. You can check out ‘Hall of the Dead’ from the band’s 2009 album ‘Wavering Radiant’ by clicking play above. Tour dates after the jump.

If you were in the mood for some new discoveries, today was your day.  Between an entire album streaming from (for me, the under-impressive) Barren Earth and a new music gem we are calling this week's Shiny Penny, you should have plenty to dote or hate on over the weekend.  If not though, take a look at this week's ‘Metal Can Look Good Too’ featuring art from King Diamond’s ‘Abigail’ or feast your eyes on some past ‘Metal Can Look Good Too’ here, here and here.  We will be back on Sunday with another Sunday Stream and (if you're lucky and I'm feeling generous enough), a little something on Saturday as well.
Click play above to hear ‘Unbroken Silence’ from Dark The Suns’ album ‘All Ends In Silence’-- yet another treat to end the week.

 

The Metal Call-Out team is heading out on the town tonight for some pizza and metal at Pier 49.  If we find anything news or note worthy there we’ll bring you an update Monday.  In the mean time, I thought long and hard about what to play for you on today’s 'Sunday Stream', but ultimately decided it was best not to kill our long standing tradition of featuring black metal on this holy day.  So, I'm pulling out the big guns with some Mistur.  If you visit the site often enough then Mistur shouldn’t be an unfamiliar name to you.  But if it is, here is your chance to get aquatinted with a phenomenal and criminally underrated band from the frozen fjords of Songdal, Norway. Press play above to enjoy the title track from Mustur's formative 2009 release ‘Attende’, and the rest of your weekend!

In case anyone is worried or still not aware, yesterday was April Fool’s Day and yes Virginia, there still is a Metallica and no, Ozzy will not be teaming up for a song with the Jonas Brothers. I should mention that no offense was intended to either Ozzy or Metallica (no disclaimer for the Jonas Brothers).

Today is Friday and we like Fridays around here--we have a new Shiny Penny and some other fun stuff for you so stay tuned. Aaaaand, let's start the day off right with some Warblade. Click play above to hear ‘The Tyger’ from their 2009 release ‘Seize The Fire’.

*Yawn*
Good afternoon folks, how was the Easter weekend?  You may have noticed I wasn’t around Friday, Saturday or for Sunday’s Stream.  This was partially due to family obligations, which led to my eventual laziness, resulting in Sparks pulling all the weight for a few days.  At any rate, I'm back with a bold vengeance today, and I think the track ‘Baile’s Strand’ from SuidAkrA is an appropriate fit to begin the day.  Later on we're announcing the winner of last month's contest, so ‘stay tuned’ for that, as well as a new video from Fintroll and possibly some other gems from the Metal Call-Out mine.

 

[Yawn] What's wrong with me?  It's almost one and I'm still tired as all hell.  It's not like I stayed up all night reading comic books or anything.  Oh wait, I guess I did.  At any rate, Sworn is always a good way to get that blood flowing on a Sunday morning so without further ado, I present the track 'Prophecies from the Land of Lost Voices', streaming above from Sworn's 2009 album 'Bastards and Conquerors'. 

We finally made it to Friday!  I hope everyone enjoys their weekend and gets off their computers for even just a moment to take advantage of the coming great weather.  This week we brought you:

-News from Arjen Lucassen on a new Star One album in pre-production

-A brand spankin’ new Deftones video

-A review on the layout of the Sonic Ranch in El Paso

-A new (meh-worthy) Slayer video

-Great news and a new streaming track from Equillibrium

-A new Toxic Holocaust video

-Spectacular album art from Mastodon

Get out there and do something with yourself, but make sure you come back tomorrow and see Mat’s review of the Finntroll, Moonsorrow and Swallow the Sun concert.  Also, as usual on Sunday we'll have a new Sunday Stream.   Press play above to hear the track‘Neither Shape Nor Shadow’ from Be’lakor . Happy weekend! 

Black metal as a Sunday Stream?!  Yes, again and probably forever, the Sunday Stream will be a black metal band.  This week is Skogen.  Skogen is an atmospheric black metal band from southern Sweden, perhaps not the first (they are babies of the genre, formed in 2009) but arguably one of the best.  Skogen’s music will remind most of fellow atmospheric giants, Drudkh.  From their first full-length album 'Vittra', the track ‘Skuggorna Kallar‘ is a solid selling point for what you can expect to hear on this album.  Enjoy!

This week's Shiny Penny is an extremely underrated and almost unknown Portuguese doom-death metal band, Thee Orakle.  Guess who recommend the said Shiny Penny? Yup, Mat again, and for the win. 

Thee Orakle was formed in 2004 in the small inland community of Vila Real, Portugal.  Without much fanfare, Thee Orakle released a demo in 2005 and an EP titled ‘Secret’ in 2007.  Finally in 2009, Thee Orakle released their debut full-length ‘Metaphortime’. 

‘Metaphortime’ (the only work from the band I've sampled) is an all together promising debut, blending elements of gothic metal and doom, perhaps un-originally, but in all, quite impressively.  The most surprising element of the band is actually something I usually despise -- clean female vocals.  (You already know how I feel about Epica and similar bands).  Thee Orakle blends the amazing vocal stylings of their female vocalst, Micaela Cardoso with harsh grunts from male vocalist Pedro Silva and rounds them out with the superior musicianship of Almedia (bass), Lopes (drums), Pinheiro (guitar), Ricardo (keyboard), and Dias (guitar), all to my satisfaction. 

Thee Orakle is not for everyone, but fans of the genre will undoubtably be happy with this Shiny Penny.  Press the play button above to hear ‘All Way Down’, the second track from Thee Orakle's ‘Metaphortime’.  You can also view their MySpace page here.

 

I was so busy being metal today I didn’t really get around to writing much. For this, I half-heartedly apologize. You see, I was just about to traverse to mountain fjord with my level 3 Dak’kon when the DM threw in (against the previously agreed upon rules, I might add) an entire clan of dark elves. Slaying the elves took longer than expected and my commitment to the campaign was so strong I couldn’t in good faith abandon it for work.

I am going to make it up to you guys with a streaming track from Skeletonwitch, so don't be too heavy hearted. From their album ‘Breathing the Fire’, enjoy the track ‘Repulsive Salvation’ and the rest of your Monday! Oh yeah, if you fancy a peek at Keep of Kalessin’s upcoming album ‘Reptilian’, you can hear the track ‘The Awakening’ right now on the band's MySpace page. It’s a pretty classic Keep song for all you classy Keep fans.

SuidAkrA recently finished up a stint in North America as part of their tour in support of their most recent album, ‘Crogacht’.  Currently they’re riding through Europe and announced on their website yesterday that they were working on their next album.  According to the band, recording for the said album is to begin in December and thus far, they have four songs finished.  As we know more we'll be sure to pass the information along, but in the meantime, enjoy the track ‘Baile’s Strand’ from ‘Crogacht’ and revel in your excitement. 

I want to talk to you about a little band called Trollskogen. Despite what you may think based on listening to the track above and the deception of their name, Trollskogen is actually an Australian two-man band that has been around since 2001. The two members of the band, going only by their initials S.M. and F.A., make a folky cold black metal that has made its way into my regular rotation and I number it as one of my favorite metal discoveries so far this year.

There is only so much one can say about black metal without sounding redundant or pretentious, so for this Shiny Penny I will let the band’s music do the talking. I will say however, that what initially sparked my interest in the band interestingly enough was visual, not sonic, in particular their logo (seen above) which was so awesome it prompted me to seek out the band’s material and neither has let me down since, going to prove that how a band presents itself is often as important as the music they make, for as in this instance it lead to an unshakable fan.

Waldgeflüster is a German one-man black metal band. Ever since Skogen on the Metal Call-Out forum introduced me to them, I have had a hard time pausing their tracks.  Waldgeflüster is the solo musical stylings of Winterherz -- the vocalist/guitarist of Scarcross. With very little information to go off of and just over 700 listeners on last.fm, he's a perfect fit for our Shiny Pennies section. 

Formed in 2005, Waldgeflüster came to fruition when musician Winterherz sought an outlet for his black metal worship he couldn’t find in his current band. He released a demo (one I’m not familiar with) in 2006 and finally a full length in 2009, 'Herbstklagen' from which the above track comes.

'Herbstklagen' is sixty-minutes of pagan black metal utilizing, besides the typical instrumentation, acoustic guitars, wind instruments, the actual wind, the piano and the sounds of birds in the background, all to create a sonic experience rich and full right off the bat and good to the last drop. Every track on the album is dynamic, showcasing Winterherz’s unquestionable understanding to musical composition and his attention to detail as well as knowing listenability for the average listener.

You can check out more of Waldgeflüster on his myspace page.

I’ll be frank from the get-go on this one. Abysse is not a band I would listen to every day, however it is something I foresee myself spending perhaps a few hours a week with and really allowing to soak in. Also, for the sake of clarity, this is Abysse with an ‘e’, not fellow French metallers Abyss, who actually are pretty good as well.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way I’ll get on with it.  Abysse plays an interesting brand of progressive metal – sans-vocals that has its brutality still well intact while exploring psychedelic and atmospheric elements not unlike fellow instraMETAL acts such as Pelican (though their latest material is inferior to Abysse). While the songs I have sampled thus far have their fair amount of post-whatever-shoe-gazey moments, they almost always shift pitch and build into something greater; you would be hard pressed to find someone saying it isn’t metal. What comes before these metal passages is something special in and of itself because the band has created a sort of appetizer for the listener, presents the main course and then finishes with just enough dessert that you hit the repeat button and go for round two. 

Abysse has contributed to a number of compilations and the like since 2007 and their latest release, Le vide est forme, was sent to me with a couple of additional tracks in the album from which the above track is taken. If you are in the Clisson, France area on June 20, you can catch Abysse at the Hellfest Festival with the likes of Kiss, Slayer and Deftones.

 

I have talked about this one before, but only briefly and in case y’all forgot, here it goes again. 

Aeternitas released their debut EP The Holocaust of Reason in late October of last year and by the end of the year I proclaimed it one of the best metal releases in 2009. In case you thought its late release date had something to do with it being fresh in my mind and therefore bestowed with my “one of the best” labels, you were mistaken. Even after listening to many of my other picks for 2009, Aeternitas still reigns among the top and I will do you one better than that and say it's one of the better albums I have heard in an entire 365 day period.

Aternitas has a melodic passion and purpose that you are all too often unable to find in a band that does not still have its youth. Sparks and I have talked about such things recently, relating that perhaps it was its youth and this bands no-strings-attached approach to their six-song mini epic that made it so good. Well, that and the benefit of having an extremely talented lineup. Despite their youth, the band plays together like seasoned professionals and creates an atmosphere rich and symphonic whilst not sacrificing extremity, but none so much that this music isn’t approachable. No label, no sold out stadiums, no bullshit, this band really has got something going and I hope for the listeners sake they continue to carry on despite the undeserved lack of press. 

This is a band you will want to support and you can do so by purchasing their CD directly from the band here for $15 including postage to anywhere in the world. They also have tees and a combo pack for you to choose from for just a pinch more.

Hooray for local Utah bands! As with every local scene there are a million of them, but the ones even worth a nod are few and far between. One of these are our buddy-bros Such Vengeance. In 2009 Such Vengeance released their self-produced, self-recorded debut The Time Is Now and knocked the socks off the Metal Call-Out staff who had long since abandoned the idea that a local band from Utah could deliver the goods. 

We had the opportunity to meet with the SV guys one evening where they played us some select tracks from the album and even a couple new ones. You can see a video from that night here. The track in the video, Universal Remorse, is the same track you can check out by clicking play above. If you like what your ears are hearing, why not support the band and buy the album? It will be the best $5.99 you spend all month, maybe all year -- guaranteed or I’ll buy you a cookie.

For more information visit: http://www.myspace.com/suchvengeance 

For today’s album of the day, I went to my iTunes, pressed a letter key at random and lo and behold, Finsterforst came up. Finsterforst, whom I have raved about and interviewed in the past, is in a bit of a rough spot right now. They’ve been searching for months to no avail for a new vocalist. This however is not stopping them from playing shows, most recently one in Croatia with a session member by the name of Olli. I for one am ready for the cards to fall into place and see this band start writing and recording again. I would hate to see ...Zum Tode Hin, as good as it is, to be the band’s final gift to this cruel world. Until we have more news, let’s just enjoy what we’ve got. Take a listen to the track Das Grosse Erwachen (which if you say phonetically in my native tounge sounds like kind of like “That’s Gross Earwax” but is actually translated as “The Great Awakening”) and head over to the band’s myspace and send them your best wishes. I’m sure they could use a few of those right now.

It’s recently come to my attention how very few people know of Ahab. This is, of course, nothing short of a crime in my mind because Ahab is a band seriously deserving of praise and attention. So allow me to introduce you...

Formed back in 2004 in Germany, Ahab has a somewhat interesting niche, lyrically focusing almost entirely on the book Moby Dick, the real life events that inspired it, and the ocean in general. They describe themselves as “Nautik Funeral Doom as a result of this obsession. In 2006 they released their first album The Call Of The Wretched Sea and then in 2009 a second full-length, The Divinity Of Oceans. The track you can hear above, O Father Sea is from the latter.

Simply put, Ahab are heavy. I liken it to an elephant with it’s knee in your chest giving you a “What the hell are you gonna do about it?” face. It’s not unrelenting however, as the band employes calm, mournful passages about as often as you feel you need to come up for air. The vocals are spot on, regardless of whether their being growled over heavily distorted moments or softly crooned along with clean ones, they just fit. 

Fans of Evoken and Mournful Congregation will especially take a liking to this, those who don’t like funeral doom need not apply, the undecided and everyone else should just take a few minutes to check it out. Enjoy!

Slow news day today, so here’s a little something to keep you occupied whilst waiting with bated breath for our next post. 

My Dying Bride is actually one of my top twenty or so favorite bands and perhaps a little bit of a guilty pleasure.  Their latest album, For The Lies I Sire, is no Songs of Darkness, Words of Light but I find myself loving it more and more with each listen.  Vocalist, Aaron Stainthorpe describes the album as “quite possibly the we’ve created to date”, and I’ll have to agree.  In this album the band sought out the accompaniment of a violinist again for the first time since 1996’s Like Gods of the Sun, which adds a layer of despair to the already lugubrious vocals and instrumentation present on the record.  My one qualm is, sadly, this album is almost completely void of Stainthorpe’s legendary death metal grunts leaving a small something to be desired.  We won’t hold it against them though, this album was the next natural chapter in the story of My Dying Bride.

My favorite track on For The Lies I Sire, and the one you can hear above, is My Body, A Funeral -- the first song on the album.  It’s good ‘staring out the window’ (something I find my self doing a lot of lately) music -- slow, poetic and mournful yet ever heavy and never boring.  If you haven’t had the chance to check out My Dying Bride before, here it is.  If you like what you hear, I would highly recommend looking into their album Songs of Darkness, Words of Light, though it should be known; I celebrate their entire catalogue.