Stilla – Synviljor (Nordvis)
The etymology of the title being a rough translation from Swedish to “optical illusion”, this fourth album from Stilla is a suitably savage yet elaborate black metal affair. The contradiction of razor sharp guitar attacks complemented by warming keyboard tones isn’t as daft as you’d.. Read More
Shibalba – Stars Al-Med Hum (Agonia)
This here is a collaboration between Greek and Swedish luminaries from Acherontas and Nastrond. Being on Agonia you expect a degree of class and seriousness and it certainly doesn’t disappoint in that respect; there’s a deep, lush production here which fully rounds out the sound.. Read More
Valkyrja – Throne Ablaze (WTC)
In preparation for a European Assault with Marduk and Archgoat, Stockholm’s black metal misanthropists unleash ‘Throne Ablaze’ and they don’t disappoint with a vitriolic display of hostility. Having been spawned in 2004, the Swedes have evolved their sound and gained ever increasing support and notoriety.. Read More
Third Storm – The Grand Manifestation (Dark Descent Records)
Originally this Swedish outfit was formed in the 80s by a bunch of very young metal heads wanting to hack chunks out of the extreme metal scene with their own version of sonic annihilation but like a lot of acts back then things halted pretty.. Read More
Brothers Of Metal – Prophecy Of Ragnarok (AFM)
So AFM sign a Swedish Power/Heavy Metal band. No big news there. AFM sign a Swedish Power/Heavy Metal band with 8 members – well that’s a bit more out of the ordinary…3 guitarists and 3 vocalists (with a bassist and a guy who plays “Anvil.. Read More
Amaranthe – Helix (Spinefarm Records)
A crossover between extreme metal and electronic tunes is the ultimate mission for the Swedish giants, Amaranthe, who have unleashed their techno influenced hard rock in this latest release, ‘Helix’ ‘The Score’ opens with a futuristic spoken word piece before Elize Ryd kicks in with.. Read More
Vanhelgd – Deimos Sanktuarium (Pulverised)
There are certain achievements that bands seem to hold in high regard, anniversaries, number of releases and so forth. Naturally this sort of egotistical self-awarding comes with a sort of uprising from fans whereby they equally appear to share the bands joy. Although this can.. Read More
Hypnos – Set Fire to the Sky (The Sign Recordings)
Well after the initial play through, this album pretty much writes its own review. These Swedes, now into album number three, take a modern stance on classic rock. Wow, does this deliver. I found them only recently via a 7 inch single, so I was.. Read More
Paranoid – Heavy Mental Fuck Up (The Sign)
Bands of this ilk are the reason I hurt my arm and damaged my pride 2 weeks ago. I am a portly man of 45 years who still cannot get past the idea that I cannot ride a skateboard. As part of my day job.. Read More
Blood Of Serpents – Sulphur Sovereign (Non Serviam Records)
Often a sophomore album will be a marginal evolution from what came before. There are notable exceptions where a band tear up the script and start again completely; Darkthrone being an obvious candidate. Blood Of Serpents haven’t exactly thrown away the rule book here, but.. Read More
Dynazty – Firesign (AFM)
Sometimes association with past experiences can be misleading. A friend of mine lent me a CD by Dynazty a few years back when they were on Spinefarm – “I love this lot…and they sound like Dokken” he raved (not sure if he loved the band.. Read More
Second Sun – Eländes Elände (Gaphals)
Sat as I am by a keyboard connected to an electronic system undreamed of in my youth that gives me access to all the information in the world I’m likely to need, and being in a position that I’m unlikely to be recognised by any.. Read More
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